GMM admits to admin error in tariff increase
The tariff increase should have been R2.20 and not R2.33, resulting in a 13c difference.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) stated an error in block two categories of the electricity tariffs for July 1 to June 2025.
The municipality said an administration error when effecting the 9.86% tariff increase approved by council caused this.
The tariff increase should have been R2.20 and not R2.33, resulting in a 13c difference. The GMM said people should note that it applied the 9.8% tariff increase correctly among all the blocks.
It told consumers not to be alarmed because there is an investigation into the impact of the error, and the municipality would ensure they are credited with the correct approved tariff, which will reflect on their statements.
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According to DA Clr Terry-Lee Kleynhans, her party calls on the Gert Sibande District Municipality to urgently intervene and investigate the exorbitant tariff hikes in the municipality.
Kleynhans said it was agreed that for the 2024/25 financial year, the electricity tariff would increase by 9.86%.
However, they discovered that between July 5 and August 6, residents falling in the block two category of prepaid electricity were subjected to a 16.21% tariff hike.
“The municipality’s top brass has conceded that it would appear there are discrepancies in the block two category. They have further committed to opening an investigation and reimbursing affected households.
“Noting the high levels of unemployment in Govan Mbeki, we find this alleged error unacceptable. The municipality’s electrical and finance division must take accountability and perform their duties with due diligence.
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“Just last year, we learnt that the municipality’s electricity distribution loss was at an alarming 63%. The losses comprised technical losses (10%) and non-technical losses (53%).
“Therefore, this shows serious shortcomings in the municipality’s energy division that directly affect every household in the municipality. The DA does not buy into the notion that the municipality will impartially investigate this matter,” said Kleynhans.
Kleynhans said they urge the municipality to release a report on their findings and bring the matter to council to implement effective measures and solutions.
She said residents deserve an effective and competent government, and they also call on the district municipality to step in and bring stability to the municipality’s Technical Service Department.
