Waverly Sports Club holds registrations for City Power’s free basic electricity
With the approved increase of 12.41% across City Power’s customer categories for the 2025/26 financial year, the entity took it on themselves to hold a registration programme to facilitate free basic electricity for the indigent.
Councillors from Ward 73, 74, and 81 held a phase 2 open day for City Power’s free basic electricity registrations at the Waverly Sports Club on July 23.
In attendance was the Johannesburg Ombudsman, City of Johannesburg’s Revenue Department, and Norwood Police Station officers.
Read more: Wards 73, 74, and 81 hosted phase two of City Power’s free basic electricity registrations
Ward 74 councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku explained that City Power organised the open day to assist qualifying residents in registering for free basic electricity. “Unemployed residents can register for the expanded social package, also if your salary is less than R7 500 a month. The revenue department will also assist, as well as with account queries.”
In a media statement, City Power said it would cushion poor, low-income households from paying increased service and availability charges, as new tariffs kicked in on July 1. “The City of Johannesburg entity will implement the new electricity tariff increases, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The regulator approved an average increase of 12.41% across City Power’s customer categories for the 2025/26 financial year,” noted spokesperson Isaac Mangena.
Description: Warrant officer Eric Masotsha and Sergent Alugumbi Tahikororo at Waverly Sports Club on July 23, 2025. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
The approved tariff increases are informed by the NERSA methodology and findings from City Power’s cost of supply study.
Mangena added that the power utility’s application was submitted after thorough consideration of operational costs, bulk purchase price increases, and the overall cost structure of the business, balanced against the socio-economic realities affecting customers. “Tariffs are reviewed annually to ensure they remain reflective of service delivery costs, while maintaining financial sustainability. This review complies with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Electricity Regulation Act, and relevant NERSA guidelines.”
It was important to note that, while the average approved increase is 12.41%, actual increases will vary per customer category based on usage and tariff structure.
Johannesburg’s regional Ombudsman ambassador, Kamogelo Molepo, said his department was present to support City Power and to raise awareness about the department’s role. “We help residents in terms of maladministration issues, human rights violations, abuse of power, service delivery deficiencies experienced from city officials, and if customers are not happy in terms of the alternative options the city gave them to remedy the situation they are faced with.”
Norwood Police Station Warrant Officer Eric Masotsha said their presence was to ensure the ward councillors, City of Johannesburg officials, and community members were safe during registrations.
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