Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has refuted claims that there was insufficient consultation regarding the R200 monthly prepaid electricity surcharge.<\/p>\n
City Power customers will now pay this surcharge<\/a> in addition to a 12.7% electricity tariff hike that also took effect on Monday.<\/p>\n According to the City, the fee is intended to generate revenue for investment in new electricity infrastructure and maintenance of the existing infrastructure.<\/p>\n Gwamanda says the surcharge benefits residents.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are in fact redressing the situation by implementing a long-standing council resolution. Of course, it is hard hitting for the consumer. But it is in their best interest that we are doing this. This goes back to 2018 when this report was approved by council for this fee to be introduced,\u201d says Gwamanda.<\/p>\n Some Johannesburg residents insist they were not consulted about the surcharge. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustrations.<\/p>\n Scrap the prepaid electricity fixed service surcharge of R200 in @CityofJoburgZA<\/a> This is crucial to bring relief to many households that cannot afford these exorbitant hikes. If City Power needs money, start with your Blue Light brigade budget Mr Mayor @OUTASA<\/a> @wayneduv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Julius Kleynhans (@JuliusKleynhans) July 5, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n