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TARIFF BOOKLET22/23
TARIFF INCREASES - EFFECTIVE: 01 JULY 2022
(ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT)
Scale 1 7,47%
Energy Charge 253,22(c/kWh)
Service Charge 331,33(R/month)
TARIFFS A 7 - 27
RESIDENTIAL TARIFFS
Introduction 7
General 7
Scale 3 3-Phase Residential 8
Scale 4 Single-Phase Residential 8
Scale 8 Prepaid Electricity Dispenser 8
Scale 9 Prepaid Electricity Dispenser (40A) 8
Scale 13 3-Phase Prepaid Electricity Dispenser 8
Scale 12 Free Basic Electricity 9
RTOU Residential Time of Use 9
Residential Net Billing Tariff 10
Typical Costs Of Using Appliances 11
BUSINESS TARIFFS
Introduction 13
General 13
CTOU Commercial Time of Use 14
Scale 1 Business & General 15
Scale 10 B&G Prepaid Electricity 15
Scale 11 B&G Prepaid Electricity (40A) 15
Scale 14 B&G Prepaid Electricity 3-Phase Prepaid Electricity Dispenser 15
1
LARGE POWER USER TARIFFS
Introduction 18
Statistical Data 18
Definitions / Treatment of Public Holidays 19
Time of Use Tariff Terms 20
Industrial Time of Use (ITOU) 21
CENTRAL REGION
Durban: Central Customer Services 031 311 9458
The Rotunda, 1 Jelf Taylor Crescent
NORTHERN REGION
UMhlanga: Northern Customer Services 031 311 9509
Manhattan House, 15 Twilight Drive
SOUTHERN REGION
Isipingo: Isipingo Customer Services 031 311 5632/3
1st Floor, 3 Police Station Road
www.durban.gov.za
FOREWORD
The 2021/2022 financial year delivered more than its fair share of challenges. The year was characterized by resilience
and unity in the face of repeated trials. In hindsight, the phrase “When it rains, it pours” could not ring more true. It is
especially important after such turbulence to pause and evaluate the year that was and identify how we can better
serve the people of eThekwini.
The beginning of the financial year brought with it the chaos and destruction that was the July unrest. The City was
severely impacted by the unrest which lead to unexpected work stoppages and reduced service delivery. The longer-
lasting effects of this have been reduced electricity consumption due to contracted economic activity and, in some
instances, businesses have closed altogether or relocated their operations. Consequently, electricity sales and
revenues dropped which was further exacerbated by lower rates of revenue collection resulting from the continuing
adverse effects of the pandemic.
These uncertain times have been further impacted by the devastation caused by the April floods, the scale of which
was such that it impacted the lives of every eThekwini resident. This disaster resulted in the loss of many lives and our
thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the victims. The destruction of property and critical infrastructure led to
outages and water shortages throughout the City. The Northern and Southern regions suffered the greatest damage,
and the Unit continues to work tirelessly to restore services and reinstate network infrastructure. It will take time to
restore all services to their previous levels, but we are committed to the challenge, and we endeavour to not only repair
but strengthen our electrical infrastructure.
The silver lining in the dark cloud of these challenges is that the Electricity Unit as well as the rest of the country started
to see operations begin to normalize as the COVID-19 infections reduced and restrictions gradually lifted. This has led
to greater efficiency and reduced response times to faults.
The electricity prices imposed by the national electricity generator, Eskom, continue to rise annually. This cost is
passed on to municipalities who then must reflect these costs to our customers. The National Energy Regulator of
South Africa (NERSA) allowed Eskom an increase of 8,61% on municipal bulk purchase costs for the 2022/2023
Financial Year. The City has been devasted by the events of the 2021/2022 year, as such, despite an increase in
operating expenses, we have restricted the average increase to our electricity tariffs to 7,47%. This increase is
compliant with the municipal guideline increase as published by NERSA.
The projected revenue from electricity sales totals approximately R16 billion for the proceeding financial year. Most of
this revenue is directed to Eskom for the bulk purchase of electricity and the remainder will be utilized to repair and
strengthen our network, improve service delivery to our customers and fund technological innovations to enhance the
quality of electricity supply.
EThekwini has been granted an exemption from load shedding due to the state of disaster caused by the floods,
however, this reprieve is drawing to a close and we must continue to embrace the concept of energy efficiency and
consume electricity in an efficient and responsible manner. We are hopeful that the interventions aimed to combat the
electricity generation capacity shortage as proposed by the President will soon lift us out of this electricity crisis. We are
also collaborating with the Energy Office in a bid to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on Eskom. This
entails procuring energy from alternative sources thereby introducing much-needed energy diversity.
The 2021/2022 financial year has truly tested our mettle and we have proved able and willing to rise to the challenge.
I would like to thank my staff for all their efforts thus far and we remain committed to serving you, our customers to the
best of our ability.
________________
Maxwell Mthembu
Head: Electricity
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
TARIFFS
EThekwini Municipality is launching a Pilot Program to enable the interconnection of small-scale
embedded generation (SSEG) resources to the local electricity network.
By creating a standard interconnection process and tariff structure for SSEG customers, the Municipality is aiming
to: (1) facilitate the safe and orderly interconnection of SSEG systems; (2) provide investment certainty and fair
compensation to prospective SSEG customers; and (3) promote local economic development and job growth
through the creation of a local SSEG industry. The Municipality fully supports SSEG and would like to encourage
such installations within the applicable regulations and international best practices.
The Municipality has a tariff structure that provides financial credits to the customer in such
instances where electricity from SSEG systems is exported onto the grid.
The proposed tariff structures are detailed for each class of customers in the subsequent pages of this booklet (Pg
10,17,23). SSEG tariff components may be subject to annual adjustments, as reviewed and approved by the
EThekwini Municipal Council and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
The Pilot Program will allow up to 200 MW of cumulative SSEG capacity to be installed on the
electricity grid on a first-come, first-served basis.
An evaluation of the Pilot Program will commence after 100 MW of SSEG deployment is achieved. This evaluation
will inform the extension and/or formalization of the programme. The Municipality intends to make relevant determina-
tions in advance of the 200 MW program-wide cap being achieved. Customers who participate in the Pilot Program
will be allowed to remain under their applicable SSEG tariff subject to approval/ changes as dictated by EThekwini
Municipal Council and NERSA.
SSEG customers will be allowed to self-consume the electricity they produce on-site.
This self consumption activity can reduce customer energy charges by avoiding purchases from the Municipality.
SSEG customers will be offered a ‘Feed-in Energy Rate’ for any electricity they export into the
grid.
The Feed-in Energy Rate was designed following two main principles. First, the Municipality seeks to purchase
energy from SSEG customers at the same rate that it purchases energy from Eskom, its primary energy supplier.
Second, the Municipality aims to keep tariffs simple for customers – as a result, SSEG customers within a particular
rate class will be subject to a very similar tariff structure as before they installed an SSEG system.
The Municipality aims to preserve SSEG customers’ contribution to operating the electricity
network.
The cost of delivering electricity to customers has two primary components: (1) the electricity itself, which is generated
by power plants owned or contracted by Eskom, and (2) the cost of building and maintaining the electricity network,
which delivers this electricity to customers. Building and maintaining our electricity network is a cost shared by all
customers in the Municipality, and tariffs are designed to help recover these costs. However, when customers choose
to build SSEG systems, they may ultimately pay less to help maintain the electricity network, despite remaining reliant
on it when their demand for electricity exceeds the production of their SSEG system. While the Municipality is seeking
to enable SSEG deployment, it must also ensure that electricity network costs are recovered. In that spirit, a ‘Network
Access Charge’ has been introduced – which grows with the size of the installed SSEG system – to ensure that SSEG
customers’ contribute to the operation of the electricity network that is available to them.
RESIDENTIAL TARIFFS
INTRODUCTION
SECTION A
These tariffs are only available to residential customers operating at either 230 V (single phase) or 400 V (three
phase). Customers have the option of either purchasing electricity via a credit based tariff (i.e scale 3 & 4) or
alternatively a prepayment based tariff (scale 8,9 &13) Indigent residential customers who consume below
150 kWh per month qualify for the FBE tariff. This tariff allows the customer to claim 65 kWh of free electricity
on a monthly basis.
RESIDENTIAL TARIFFS
RTOU
[NOT ACTIVE]
Residential
Net Billing Tariff
Scale 3 Scale 4 Scale 8 Scale 9 Scale 13 Scale 12
GENERAL
Residential tariffs, shall apply to electricity supplied to:
(a) residential premises (as defined by eThekwini municipality electricity supply bylaws) which are individually
metered;
(b) flats or maisonettes used solely for residential purposes or any premises used as such which are individually
metered;
(c) non-profit making residential establishments operated by welfare organisations as defined by the National
Welfare Act, 1978;
(d) general lighting in blocks of flats and other residential buildings where no form of business activity is conducted;
(e) residential tariffs shall not apply where any form of business activity is conducted. The decision of the
Engineer as to whether electricity may be supplied under these tariffs will be final.
7
RESIDENTIAL CREDIT TARIFFS
THREE PHASE - SCALE 3 SINGLE PHASE - SCALE 4
Typical Customers Typical Customers
Large residential premises with ducted Medium sized residential premises.
airconditioning, swimming pool, etc. Supply size is 60 A. (80 A available in certain
circumstances)
Service Charge
The service charge is built into the energy charge Service Charge
therefore a separate service charge is not The service charge is built into the energy charge
applicable therefore a separate service charge is not applicable
General: Estimated charges are raised in months where no meter readings are taken and these are reversed
when actual consumption is charged for.
Prepayment customers pay for electricity in advance by using tokens or encoded numbers purchased from
eThekwini Electricity Customer Service Centres or Agents. In the event of a meter being purposely damaged or
bypassed, a deposit amount of R400 is required.
FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY (FBE)
PREPAYMENT ONLY
SINGLE PHASE - SCALE 12
Typical Customers Low consumption indigent residential customers.
Note: This tariff is only available to indigent customers who consume (on average) less
than 150 kWh per month.
Service Charge The service charge is built into the energy charge therefore a separate service charge is
not applicable.
Energy Charge
General: This tariff is currently only available to indigent customers who consume less than 150 kWh per month.
All customers on this tariff will be eligible to 65 kWh of free electricity on a monthly basis. An online monitoring
system is currently in place that identifies qualifying customers based on their previous history. FBE tokens
cannot be accumulated and must be collected on a monthly basis.
Energy Charge The energy charge is time dependent but not seasonally differentiated.
Service Charge The service charge is a fixed charge and is charged on a monthly basis per point of supply.
General THIS TARIFF IS NOT ACTIVE. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS TARIFF IS DEPENDENT
ON THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMART METERING PROJECT.
9
RESIDENTIAL NET BILLING TARIFF
The Residential Net Billing Tariff is being proposed as a means of remunerating customers for energy generated
(exported) onto the grid. The principle of remuneration will be passed via a credit transaction on the customer’s
account. The rate of remuneration per kWh will be as per the feed in rate.
The residential consumption energy rate is a bundled rate and includes fixed grid / reticulation costs in addition to
the energy cost. A reduction in energy usage creates an undue shortfall in grid contribution. To counter act this,
a Network Access Charge (NAC) will become payable, based on the inverter size.
Energy consumed from the grid will be charged for in line with the relevant Scale 3 or 4 tariff structure.
Feed in Energy Rate: The feed in energy will be remunerated via a credit on the customer’s account.
(Feed in energy Rate x Number of kWh’s generated onto grid = Financial Credit)
Network Access Charge (NAC): The NAC will be charged based on the size of the inverter (kVA)
(Inverter size (kVA) x Network Access Charge Rate (R/kVA) = Financial Debit)
TYPICAL COSTS OF USING APPLIANCES
The following table shows the typical costs of operating appliances on the residential tariffs (Scale 3,4,8,9 & 13).
Tax Invoice
C u r r e n t m o n t h ’s c h a r g e s p a y a b l e b y 2 0 2 1 / 0 9 / 1 2
D e a r c u s t o m e r , V A T r a t e i n c r e a s e s t o 1 5 % e ff e c t i v e 1 A p r i l 2 0 1 8 . T h i s i s
subsequent to the announcement made by National Treasur y.
EMBEDDED
CREDIT PREPAYMENT OBSOLETE DISCONTINUED GENERATION
Scale 10
Business
Scale 1 CTOU Scale 11 scale 14 Scale 002/021 Scale 5/6/7 Net Billing Tariff
GENERAL
Business and General tariffs, shall apply to electricity supplied to:
(a) business premises including shops, factories, hostels, boarding houses, restaurants, office buildings, religious
buildings and general supplies;
(b) residential buildings in which individual units are not separately metered;
(c) illumination of outdoor sports grounds, external illumination of buildings, illuminated signs, advertisements
or lamps used solely for external decorative purposes, street lighting and any other form of lighting service;
(d) motive power, heating and other industrial purposes, including temporary supplies;
(e) any other purposes as approved by the Engineer. The decision of the Engineer as to whether electricity
may be supplied under these tariffs will be final.
13
COMMERCIAL TIME OF USE (CTOU)
This tariff is designed for Business and Industrial customers with a Notified Maximum Demand equal to or less
than 100 kVA . CTOU agreements are entered into for a minimum period of one year.
(Prices exclude VAT)
Network Demand Charge (R/kVA) Service Charge (R) Network Surcharge (%)
All Seasons-Min Charge of 50 kVA All Seasons All Seasons
Only applicable if demand is
93,71 464,99 equal to or greater than 110kVA 25
Energy Charge The energy charge is time dependent and seasonally differentiated.
Service Charge The service charge is a fixed charge and is charged on a monthly basis per point
of supply.
Network Demand Charge The network demand charge is based on the highest kVA consumed for the month.
Minimum Demand Charge A minimum demand charge of 50 kVA will apply on a monthly basis.
Network Surcharge The network surcharge is levied on the sum of all costs with the exception of the
service charge. This charge is only applicable if the network demand is equal
to or greater than 110kVA
400
300
200
Time Interval
structure.
Note: The time periods for the high/low season and peak, standard, off-peak are in accordance with page 20.
BUSINESS & GENERAL TARIFFS
SCALE 1
Typical Customers Small to medium Commercial and Industrial.
Service Charge This service charge is a fixed charge per month per point of supply.
This charge may also be levied per account cycle proportionately, per point of supply.
Prepayment customers pay for electricity in advance by using tokens or encoded numbers purchased from
eThekwini Electricity Customer Service Centres or Agents.
15
OBSOLETE BUSINESS TARIFFS
SCALE 002/021
Obsolete Tariff This tariff is currently active, but no longer available to new customers.
This tariff has been superceded by the Commercial Time of Use (CTOU).
Please refer to page 14.
Voltage Rebate A 2% rebate is applied to the energy charge for supply voltages exceeding 1000 V.
(Prices exclude VAT)
General: Estimated charges are raised in months where no meter readings are taken and these are reversed when
actual consumption is charged for. A deposit equivalent to 3 months consumption is generally required. This is periodically
reviewed and increased deposits may be charged where required.
Service Charge: This service charge is a fixed charge per month per point of supply. This charge may also be levied
per account cycle proportionately per point of supply.
The business consumption energy rate is a bundled rate and includes fixed grid / reticulation costs in addition to
the energy cost. A reduction in energy usage creates an undue shortfall in grid contribution. To counter act this,
a Network Access Charge (NAC) will become payable, based on the inverter size.
Energy consumed from the grid will be charged for in line with the relevant Scale 1 tariff structure.
Energy Charge: The feed in energy will be remunerated via a credit on the customer’s account.
(Feed in Energy Rate x Number of kWh’s generated onto grid = Financial Credit)
Network Access Charge (NAC): The NAC will be charged based on the size of the inverter (kVA)
(Inverter size (kVA) x Network Access Charge Rate (R/kVA) = Financial Debit)
17
LARGE POWER USER TARIFFS
INTRODUCTION
The large power user agreements are entered into for a minimum period of one year. They are intended for customers
who consume electricity on a continuous basis throughout the year. The bulk tariffs are designed to have different rates
for the same energy component during different time periods and seasons in order to comply with the cost of supply
at different times more accurately.
CONSUMERS EMBEDDED
NOTIFIED MAXIMUM OBSOLETE DISCONTINUED GENERATION
DEMAND > 100 KVA
Industrial
Industrial (ITOU) LV3-Part ST3-Part Net Billing Tariff
STATISTICAL DATA
1100 5 400
1000
5 200
Maximum Demand (MVA)
900
800 5 000 Energy (GWh)
700
4 800
600
500 4 600
400 4 400
300
4 200
200
100 4 000
FINANCIAL YEAR
B U L K C U S TO M E R S GWh SOLD
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING BULK TARIFFS
Network Demand This charge is based on the actual demand measured during Peak & Standard periods
Charge (NDC) in the month.
Network Access The NAC will be based on the higher of the NMD, the current demand or the historical demand
Charge (NAC) as described by the NMD rules.
Restricted Demand The highest half-hourly demand in kVA taken by the customer between 16h00 and 20h00,
Monday to Friday (Applicable to LV3 Part Tariff only).
Energy Measured in kWh throughout the month.
Notified Maximum The maximum demand notified in writing by the customer and accepted by the municipality.
Demand
Notified Minimum The Minimum Demand notified in writing by the customer and accepted by the municipality
Demand (LV3-Part)
Service Charge A fixed charge payable per account per month ( or account cycle) to recover service related
costs.
NOTE : The appropriate seasonally differentiated energy charges will be applicable on these days.
Any unexpectedly announced public holidays will be treated as the day of the week on which it falls.
19
TIME OF USE TARIFF TERMS
Peak, Standard The different times during the day, as shown in the graphs below, during which varying
and Off-Peak energy charges apply.
Periods
Maximum Demand The highest half-hourly demand in kVA taken by the customer during Peak and Standard
periods in the month.
Energy Measured in kWh during Peak, Standard and Off-Peak periods during the days of the
month according to the graphs below.
23 24 1
22 2 HIGH DEMAND SEASON
21 Weekdays 3
TIME PERIODS MON - FRI SAT SUN
20 4
Saturday 22h00 - 06h00 OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK
19 5 06h00 - 07h00 PEAK OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK
07h00 - 09h00 PEAK STANDARD OFF-PEAK
18 Sunday 6
18 09h00 - 12h00 STANDARD STANDARD OFF-PEAK
7 12h00 - 17h00 STANDARD OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK
17
17h00 - 18h00 PEAK OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK
8
16 18h00 - 19h00 PEAK STANDARD OFF-PEAK
15 9
19h00 - 20h00 STANDARD STANDARD OFF-PEAK
14 10
11
20h00 - 22h00 STANDARD OFF-PEAK OFF-PEAK
13 12
INDUSTRIAL TIME OF USE (ITOU)
This tariff is designed for customers with a Notified Maximum Demand greater than 100 kVA. Customers opting
for this tariff will benefit if they can shift their loads away from Peak periods and towards Standard/Off-
Peak periods.
(Prices exclude VAT)
Network Demand Charge (R/kVA) Network Access Charge (R/kVA) Service Charge (R)
Based on Actual Demand Based on highest demand recorded Rand per Month
450
High Season
(c/kWh)
275 kV 0.00
400
350
Low Season
300
132 kV 2,25 250
200
33 kV 3,00 150
100
11 kV 10,50 50
0
Peak Standard Off-peak
6,6 kV 12,75 Time Interval
400 V 22,50
Energy Charge The energy charge is time dependent and seasonally differentiated in accordance
with the time intervals as illustrated on page 20.
Notified Maximum Demand The notified maximum demand as stated by the customer, should be the highest
amount of kVA that the customer expects the municipality to be in a position to
supply. Reductions will not be allowed for seasonal variations and temporary
load reductions. An unauthorised increase in demand does not automatically
increase the NMD
Network Demand Charge The network demand charge is based on the actual demand (kVA) per month.
Network Access Charge The NAC will be based on the higher of the NMD, the current demand or the
historical demand as described by the NMD rules.
Service Charge This service charge is a fixed charge and is charged on a monthly basis per
point of supply.
Voltage Surcharge The voltage surcharge is the percentage levied on the sum of all costs with the
exception of the service charge.
Notified Maximum Demand This tariff is subject to Notified Maximum Demand Rules. Please refer to page 24
Rules for further details.
21
OBSOLETE - LOW VOLTAGE 3-PART (LV3-PART)
Typical Commercial and Industrial customers who are supplied at 400 V, consuming greater than
100 kVA and are able to restrict their electricity consumption between the weekday time
period: 16h00 - 20h00
Obsolete Tariff LV3-Part: This tariff is currently active, but no longer available to new customers.
Note: Obsolete tariffs attract higher than average increases. Customers are therefore encouraged to review
their load profile and investigate the feasibility of migrating to alternate tariffs.
DISCONTINUED TARIFFS
The following tariffs were deemed non cost reflective and have been discontinued as of 1 July 2009:
Supertension (ST3-Part)
Excess night & weekend demand options (ST3-Part)
Low Voltage Two-Part Tariff (LV2-Part)
Scale 5/6/7 (Business & General)
INDUSTRIAL NET BILLING TARIFF
The Industrial Net Billing Tariff is being proposed as a means of remunerating customers for energy generated
exported onto the grid. The principle of remuneration will be passed via a credit transaction on the customer’s
account. The rate of remuneration per kWh will be as per the feed in rate.
The Industrial Time of Use (ITOU) rate is an ubundled rate, however it does include voltage varying fixed grid /
reticulation costs dependant on energy usage. A reduction in energy useage creates an undue shortfall in grid
contribution. To counter act this, an Ancillary Network Access Charge (ANAC) will become payable, based on the
inverter size and voltage level of operation.
Energy consumed from the grid will be charged for in line with the relevant ITOU tariff structure (Pg 21).
Energy Charge: The feed in energy will be remunerated via a credit on customer’s account.
(Feed in energy Rate x Number of kWh’s generated onto grid = Financial Credit)
Ancillary Network Access Charge (ANAC): The ANAC will be charged based on the size of the inverter (kVA)
(Inverter size (kVA)ANAC Rate (R/kVA) = Financial Debit and Feed in Voltage level.
23
ADVISORY SERVICES
TARIFFS ANALYSIS
The suite of electricity tariffs at eThekwini Municipality are designed to cater for a range of electricity consumption
profiles. Where a customer implements a change in plant operation that alters the electricity consumption profile,
it may be necessary to migrate to alternate tariff structures.
Customers are encouraged to periodically study their load profiles and ensure that they purchase electricity on
the most efficient tariff structure available.
For more information and advice in this regard, please contact the Electricity Pricing & Marketing Branch on:
031 311 9283/5/7
2 APPLICATION OF CHARGES
2.1.1 The NAC is charged based on the higher of the following:
I. The NMD (kVA)
II. The Maximum Demand (kVA)
III. The NAC (kVA) of the previous month (Note : once off exceedances will be carried forward)
Note: The NAC will always reflect the highest demand drawn from the network including any (i.e. previous
or current) unauthorised demand exceedance.
2.1.2 In an instance where the maximum demand is greater than the NMD, the chargeable kVA utilised in
calculating the NAC will be increased by the percentage difference between the maximum demand and
the NMD (i.e. Excess Network Percentage).
2.1.3. The % increase of the NAC represents an excess charge as a result of exceeding the NMD. The ENP
will only be raised in the months where the maximum demand exceeds the NMD; however the increased
maximum demand (kVA) will be chargeable as per the NAC going forward.
2.1.4. Any payments made via the tariff for the demand exceeding the NMD shall not be deemed as an agreement
by eThekwini Municipality to make such higher demand available to a customer. Such agreement will
be subject to negotiating new terms and conditions to modify the connection and amend the existing
electricity supply agreement. Refer to Clause 3.1 for the conditions associated with an increase in demand.
4 EXCEEDENCE OF NMD
4.1.1 In the event that the maximum demand exceeds the NMD in respect of the relevant POD, or where
the simultaneous maximum demand of PODs that receive the benefit of diversity exceeds the sum of
the NMDs, the following will apply in addition to the charges as detailed in section 2.0:
4.1.2. Any exceedance of the NMD shall constitute a breach of eThekwini Municipality's supply contract.
EThekwini Municipality shall, at its election, be entitled to cancel the supply contract, subject to the
customer's right to apply for an increase in NMD and conclude a new contract with eThekwini Municipality.
4.1.3. If the customer does not conclude a new contract, eThekwini Municipality reserves the right to terminate
the supply and remove any equipment surplus to meeting the contracted NMD or to provide this capacity
for the use of customers who have contracted for the capacity.
NOTE 1 The Engineer may for technical reasons decide to use underground
cable.
NOTE 2 There may be additional charges at the rates prescribed in item
2 hereof for any supply mains extensions made in excess of one
SECTION B
pole and one span; but excluding any poles and spans used for
road crossings.
1.2 For connections other than to those referred to in Item 1.1
a charge consisting of a Basic Component, a Supply Mains
Component, a Service Mains Component and a Metering
Component shall apply: *1(b)
29
15 %
(a) A cost per connection of: R359 573,04 R53 935,96 R413 509,00
Plus
(b) A cost per kVA of requested capacity of: R233,04 R34,96 R268,00
1.2.1.7 Substation Trench Covers (per sq. meter) R1 618,26 R242,74 R1 861,00
1.2.1.8 For Connections within a Township where a Developer has
paid for the Supply Mains, Internal Reticulation and
Transformation within:
(a) A charge per single phase 230 V connection: R3 092,17 R463,83 R3 556,00
(b) A charge per three phase 80 A 400 V connection: R6 126,09 R918,91 R7 045,00
31
15 %
33
2. SUPPLY MAINS EXTENSION AND SERVICE MAINS INSTALLATIONS: *2
2.1 Cable shall be charged for in accordance with the following rates:
(a) Cables with a standard operating voltage not exceeding 1 000 V:
NOTE 11 These costs are also applied when deriving costs of Low Voltage Busbar and insulated conductor.
(b) Cables with a standard operating voltage exceeding 1 000 V but not exceeding 11 000 V:
NOTE 12 Where applicable, respective costs will be levied for the customer account at prevailing rates, subject
to the discretion of the Engineer.
(b) Other types and sizes of overhead supply specified by the Engineer as being suitable for the service,
which is not included in (a) above, shall be paid for at a rate equal to the actual cost of supply and
installation.
15 %
3. TESTING OF METERS: *10
3.1 kWh meters per test:
(a) Single phase: R278,26 R41,74 R320,00
(b) Poly phase: R373,91 R56,09 R430,00
(c) Energy plus demand (bulk) meters per test. R1 652,17 R247,83 R1 900,00
4. DISCONNECTIONS: *11
4.1 For disconnections and reconnections made at the request
of the consumer:
(a) Where disconnected at the request of the consumer for R351,30 R52,70 R404,00
a suspension of the service:
35
15 %
(b) Where disconnected at the request of the consumer to
enable him to effect extensions, repairs or maintenance
to his house or to allow an electrical contractor to
reposition meter box without extension to, or cutting of,
the service main: Nil Nil Nil
(c) Where overhead service mains are temporarily
disconnected and coiled back, on request, for the carrying
out of fumigation or similar services: R858,26 R128,74 R987,00
4.2 For disconnections carried out in consequence of a breach
of the Bylaws:
4.2.1 Residential
(i) Where disconnected for non-payment of account, or in
consequence of a breach of the Bylaws other than for
unauthorised reconnection, illegal bypassing of meter R217,39 R32,61 R250,00
or for tampering; per disconnection:
(ii) Where disconnected as a result of unauthorised
reconnection of item 4.2.1 (i) above; per disconnection: R438,26 R65,74 R504,00
5 TEMPORARY SUPPLIES
For periods not exceeding 14 days where supply can be
provided from existing supply mains (for fetes, religiou s
gatherings, elections, etc.): *13
5.1 For single phase supplies up to 80 A (at point of supply) R1 566,96 R235,04 R1 802,00
(a) Per metre of cable laid charged according to rates in
item 2 of this schedule As per item 2 of this schedule
(b) Installation consumption per 40 A per day: R230,43 R34,57 R265,00
(c) Installation consumption per 60 A per day: R348,70 R52,30 R401,00
(d) Installation consumption per 80 A per day: R460,87 R69,13 R530,00
5.2 For 3 phase supplies (at point of supply) R1 829,64 R274,45 R2 104,09
(a) Per metre of cable laid charged according to rates in
item 2 of this schedule: As per item 2 of this schedule
(b) Installation consumption per amp per day: R20,87 R3,13 R24,00
37
6 PROVISION OF LOAD PROFILE 15 %
RECORDING DATA: *14
6.1 Where the period of recording is not in excess of seven days: R3 945,22 R591,78 R4 537,00
6.2 For each subsequent week or portion thereof: R95,65 R14,35 R110,00
6.3 Where a suitable profile meter is installed: R691,30 R103,70 R795,00
8.4 Transfer from Bulk tariff (ITOU & LV3 Part) to Business
& General Tariff:
R0,00 R0,00 R0,00
15 %
9 RELOCATION OF METER
9.1 Relocation of a prepa id meter (excludes small powe r
distribution unit) to a position as determined by the Engineer : R1 894,78 R284,22 R2 179,00
9.2 Relocation of a single phase meter of an underground supply
to a position on the boundary determined by the Engineer :
*17(b) R2 221,74 R333,26 R2 555,00
*Indicates the numbering as referenced to the First Schedule in the eThekwini Municipality Electricity
Supply Bylaws. The First Schedule is now replaced by this document, Schedule of Connection Fees
and Charges.
39
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
NEW SUPPLY/ CONNECTION
How do I apply for a new electrical connection?
Visit one of our Customer Service Centres Your completed application will be captured,
and fill in the ‘application for electrical referenced and electronically sent to the
connection’ form. Planning Department for technical analysis
and costing. Once completed, a pro-forma
NOTE: You may need to consult with your invoice detailing the costs, installation
electrician for the required technical details, specifications and a meter card will be posted
i.e Supply Size, Circuit Breaker Size, etc… to you.
Once payment has been received in Once your cable and meter has been
accordance with your invoice, your application installed by the depot, the customer must
will be confirmed. You are also required to hand in a signed certificate of compliance
submit your completed meter card for your indicating the application number within
connection request to be processed. 48hrs to eThekwini electricity.
NOTE: Your electrician will need to carry out the NOTE: A copy of the certificate of compliance will be
electrical connections from your distribution board to accepted provided that it is certified with the contractors
the meter point and provide the necessary certification original signature. The customer should also retain a
for the work done. The depot will only commence work copy for his/her own record.
on-site once a completed meter card is received.
Prior to any consumption of electricity on site, the customer must register the connection to an account.
The customer will also be liable for the payment of a deposit to successfully register the connection.
An account can be opened at any Electricity Customer Service Centre. Payment of deposits for prepaid
applications and prepaid account registration must be done in conjunction with the relevant payment
of connection charges. Your application for electricity has been completed. Should you experience any
outages or faults, please contact 080 311 11 11 or alternitavely on our Whatsapp number 076 791 2449.
Unfortunately you can no longer sms your reading as our sms number is no longer supported.
As an alternative a link has created for efficient meter reading submissions.
http://ethekwini.maps.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=c75c0dd6ee654231a0f08f0614894362
NOTE: CUSTOMERS MUST ENSURE THAT ONLY WHEN AN ACCOUNT IS OPENED I.E. REGISTRATION COMPLETED AND
DEPOSIT PAID CAN THE SUPPLY REMAIN ON OR BE SWITCHED ON.
1. ID Document of applicant / Owner The timeframes for connections will vary depending
2. Proof of ownership / lease agreement on the availability of power / infrastructure in the area
3. Authority from landlord (if applicable) and workload. The customer service consultant will
4. Approved building plan showing preferred be in a position to advise you on the average
meter location connection time once the Planning Department has.
5. Registered contractor details completed the technical analysis for your application
NOTE: FOR LAND OWNED BY TRIBAL AUTHORITIES, ONLY LETTERS FROM THE OFFICIAL TRIBAL AUTHORITY WILL
BE ACCEPTED.
I am based far away from eThekwini, can anyone else make an application on my behalf?
Yes, provided permission is granted in writing to the person making the application. Copies of ID documents
for both parties are required.
I bought a new property and need to register the electricity account in my name, what do I do?
Please visit your nearest Customer Services/Sizakala Centres with the following documents:
o ID Document
o Transfer Documents / Letter from Attorney confirming transfer has been lodged in owner's name.
Note: A deposit is required upon registration. The deposit amount is dependant on the connection size and
usage pattern of the supply.
Hand written letters must be addressed to The Chief Technologist, EThekwini Electricity, Lighting Division
Planning, 1 Jelf Taylor Crescent, Durban, 4000.
What will happen to me if I were found to have tampered with my electricity meter?
All meters are inspected at regular intervals to determine whether tampering has taken place. If customers
are found to have tampered with or bypassed their meters the supply will be terminated and in certain
circumstances the cable removed. The customer will then have to pay a reconnection fee, an increased
deposit and any estimated amount calculated for consumption not paid for. Further the billing system is able
to trend your consumption pattern. Any undue increase or decrease will be flagged for investigation.
Note: Tampering with and bypassing of electricity meters is illegal and will not be tolerated. Severe
action will be taken against offenders.
43
What can I do if I suspect my meter is faulty?
If you suspect that your meter reading is not in accordance with your consumption as a result of a meter fault,
you may request for a meter test to be carried out. This process is subject to a meter test fee. Please contact
one of our customer service centres for further advice and information.
My meter is on the wall of my house. I would like to relocate the meter to a point on my
boundary. What must I do?
The first step is to employ the services of a registered electrician. The electrician will be responsible for
assessing your requirements and making an application on your behalf to the Municipality for a meter relocation.
The application must include a proposed meter position at the boundary point.
Once received, the Municipality will assess the application and confirm the meter location or advise otherwise;
Once finalised, a proforma invoice will be sent to you detailing the costs involved;
Once the costs have been paid, the electrician must carry out the electrical work within your boundary and
provide a meter card to the Electricity Department confirming that the site is ready for the meter relocation;
Once the meter card is received, the depot will arrange for the meter relocation. Upon completion, the electrical
contractor must test the new connection and issue an electrical certificate of compliance to the Municipality.
I would like to install a private meter (s) on my property to monitor electricity usage?
Meters installed beyond the main municipal meter are allowed, however these installations must be
carried out by a suitably qualified electrician without interfering with the main meter. You must receive
an electrical certificate of compliance for all work carried out.
How is my account calculated? (Not applicable to industrial & time of use tariffs)
Your account is billed on a periodic cycle. You will have a start reading and an end reading. The difference
between the two is your electricity usage for that period. Your usage is then multiplied by the tariff rate to
arrive at a rand value.
45
How do I change my postal address?
Changes to postal details can be actioned at any one of our Customer Service centres or the process can
be triggered by emailing: revlinepostaladdress@durban.gov.za State within the email the following:
Account details
Current postal address
Proposed new postal address
When will the municipality pay out for damaged appliances or loss of spoilt food
when there is a power outage ?
The municipality insures itself against claims caused by negligence of staff or contractors and these claims
are only considered if there is sufficient evidence of negligence. However, outages caused by theft of
infrastructure, vandalism or inclement weather conditions are not covered by the municipality. Customers
can take out private insurance to protect their property
How does the municipality inform communities of planned outages due to maintenance?
The municipality’s policy is to make people aware of planned outages a few days or week in advance. This
is normally advertised in community newspapers, social media and notice boards around the location of the
outage.
How long does it take to restore power after an outage?
98% of our faults are completed within 24hrs.
I am a tenant and I’m privately metered by the landlord via the prepayment system,
how do I know that I’m not being overcharged?
The electricity is a regulated commodity and nobody is allowed to buy and sell electricity for profit without
a licence from NERSA, however the regulator accepts the need for landlord to pass on the cost of electrici-
ty consumed by the tenant to the tenant and allows an administration fee for the service at about 5% to
8%. This administration fee should ideally be included in the rent or as a form of administration levy. It is
not unusual for the prepayment service provider to add this percentage on the energy charge.
Example:
Cost of electricity supplied by municipality R2,5749 x admin charge 6% = R2,73 total paid by customer per
unit.
ELECTRICITY TARIFFS
How do I select an appropriate tariff?
NEW CUSTOMER
No
Prepaid Credit Credit Prepaid Credit Credit Scale 14 3 Scale 1 <100kVA >100kVA
Prepaid Prepaid KVA?
RFIT BFIT IFIT
If there is no increase in prices for winter, why does my electricity account increase in
winter?
The tariff rate is constant however your consumption is probably increased during winter. Increased consumption
amongst others reasons could be as a result of the following:
• Increased use of electric heaters for warming up your home
• Longer water heating times (more electricity usage) as a result of a colder water intake into the geyser
Are the electricity tariffs the same for all customers in eThekwini?
There are different tariffs available for different customer categories (i.e. Residential, Business, Industrial)
however all customers have access to the same suite of tariffs and rates. The tariff rates are not geographically
dependant within eThekwini.
47
FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY
Do I qualify for free basic electricity?
Free basic electricity is aimed at the indigent population of Durban. If you are indigent and use <150 kWh per
month, you are eligible. If you already have a prepayment meter and if you do qualify, then thanks to our online
vending systems, you are automatically a beneficiary of Free Basic Electricity (FBE). The second 20 digit number
on your purchased token is the free allocation of units. You will need to collect this in the month that it is valid
for.
Note: There is no carry over of monthly FBE tokens.
How does the free basic electricity tariff work ?(Pre-Payment ONLY)
The free basic electricity tariff was designed to assist the indigent customer category. An indigent customer
that consumes less than 150kWh per month (calculated on previous history) will be eligible for 65 kWh of free
electricity per month. The free energy tokens cannot be accumulated and must be collected on a monthly
basis. Please note that tokens are specific to the meter.
Why is it that some months my token has two sets of numbers and some not?
The two sets of numbers on your token means that you consumed an average of 150 kWh or less and therefore
you qualify for FBE. The first set of 20 digit numbers is the purchased token, whilst the second set is your
FBE allocation of 65 kWh. The absence of a second set of 20 digit numbers indicates that you have either
collected your FBE for that month or that you have exceeded an average of 150 kWh over the previous months
and that you are no longer eligible. Once your average consumption drops below 150 kWh, you will automatically
re-qualify for FBE allocation.
Can I collect my FREE electricity token in a month where I am not buying electricity?
Yes, provided that your average historical consumption is less than 150kWh. You would need to produce you
prepayment card at your nearest vendor to collect your free issue.
I’ve got a municipal prepayment meter, what should I be paying for my electricity?
No one is allowed to charge more for electricity than the regulated amount as advertised by the municipality.
This amount changes every single year and is advertised accordingly. The municipality contracts external
service providers to sell electricity to sell the service at the advertised cost. The service provider is not
allowed to add their own charges to this amount. For example, if the municipal cost per unit is R2,58 the
vendor is only allowed to charge that exact amount, nothing more.
When a municipal employee comes to my house to read my meter, how do I make sure
it’s not an imposter?
A meter reader who is a permanent employee has to produce an identification card that consists of their name,
surname, photo, service number and the unit they work for. They must be wearing a blue shirt with municipal
emblem, navy pants and black shoes. A contractor will come to your house wearing the same apparel,
however their identification card will state that they are sub-contracted under a particular company working
with the municipality. Their card will also display an expiry date of that contract.
REPORT FAULTS
How to report an electricity outage or fault?
The electricity Unit has established a contact centre that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to capture
and process your queries. Electricity outages and faults can be lodged with the contact centre.
Telephone : 080 3111 111
WhatsApp : 076 791 2449
Email : electricityfaults@durban.gov.za
Be sure to obtain a reference number from the operator when logging a fault. This can be used to track the
status of your query.
Note: Restoration times vary considerably and are dependent on the nature of the electrical fault incurred.
In instances where alternate circuits are available, your electricity supply will be restored within a short period
of time. Where alternate circuits are not available, your restoration time will be dependant on the fault repair
time.
How to verify municipal staff and official work carried out on the network?
A call to our contact centre will offer you the opportunity to verify municipal staff and contractors. The contact
centre is updated daily with the relevant work sites and can easily confirm the work being carried out as well
as the employees tasked to do it. If you are suspicious of activities being carried out or the personnel on-site,
please don't hesitate to contact us. Should we not be able to verify a team or their related work, we will dispatch
security for further investigation.
49
How to report theft of electricty and infrastructure?
The Municipality requests that the public be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the contact centre on
080 3111 111 (Toll Free).
The Criminal Matters Amendment Act is now in force, creating far harsher sentencing and bail conditions for
people who damage/steal infrastructure for services.
There are minimum sentences for first-time copper thieves of three years, and a maximum 30 years for those
involved in instigating or causing damage to infrastructure.
LOAD SHEDDING
Is load shedding a last resort to reduce demand and maintain network stability?
Yes. Simply explained, the supply and demand of electricity has to be in constant balance. When the demand
approaches the supply and threatens to exceed it, the national system operator calls for all power stations
to operate at full capacity and implements demand side load reduction measures.
For example:
Supplemental Demand Response - Eskom will ask qualifying participants to reduce loads
to assist in lowering the total electricity demand on the
national grid. In return participants will receive financial
compensation for the energy not consumed during this
period.
Should the load reduction measures prove unsuccessful, then the system operator would have no choice but
to initiate load shedding to stabilise the electrical grid.
51
NOTIFIED MAXIMUM DEMAND RULES (NMD)
Customers need to fill in the ‘application The Planning Department will analyse and
for electrical connection form’ and submit determine if there is available capacity.
the document to customer services. A quotation will be created if additional
charges apply.
Upon payment of changes (if any) and Customers need to provide a meter card,
acceptance of the terms & conditions of the confirming that the necessary work on their
increased supply; the application will be side has been completed. Once received,
finalised. the depot will action the job. Customers then
need to lodge a valid COC for the increased
supply.
The Notified Maximum Demand will then be adjusted after approval at the start of the next financial
month.
DUDLEY
PRINGLE
ZIMPONDWENI
TONGAAT
MAMBUNDWINI INANDA
WATERLOO
NORTHERN UMDLOTI BEACH
PHOENIX
NORTHERN CUSTOMER
CENTRAL SERVICE CENTRE
BOTHAS HILL
CLAREMONT
MPUMALANGA HILLCREST
WESTVILLE
SPRINGFIELD
GILLITTS
PINETOWN CUSTOMER
SHONGWENI SERVICE CENTRE DURBAN CUSTOMER
SERVICE CENTRE
CATO MANOR
ZWELIBOMVU QUEENSBURGH
AREA UMLAZI
BRUMONT SOUTHERN BLUFF
UMBUMBULU
ISIPINGO CUSTOMER
UMBOGINTWINI
SERVICE CENTRE
ADAMS
MISSION
ILLOVO
INDIAN OCEAN
UMGABABA
N
OLD DURBAN METROPOLITAN BOUNDARY
UNICITY BOUNDARY
1 Jelf Taylor Crescent
PO Box 147, Durban
031 311 1111
Contact Centre: 080 3111 111
Email: electricityfaults@durban.gov.za