See below for SeSotho and Afrikaans versions
Dear Valued RFS Electricity Users
EXPENSIVE ELECTRICITY PERIOD [1 June - 30 Aug] ANNUALLY
This serves as a reminder to all Rural Free State (RFS) clients, and electricity consumers within the Mafube Local Municipality that we are in the middle of winter. Regardless that electricity is already expensive in summer months, in winter, tariffs AND usage is normally up, which leads to very high electricity accounts.
Please therefore use electricity sparingly.
The following general pointers which yearly, lead to much higher electricity tariffs during winter:-
With effect from 1 July 2024, the NERSA approved electricity increases for Mafube was 10.76%.
NERSA approved tariff increases for other much larger municipalities, were as follows: Ekurhuleni (11.02%); Johannesburg (12.7%); Tshwane (12%); Ditsobotla (18.7%); Emalahleni (15.1%); Cape Town (11.6%); Paarl (8.56%); etc.
The solar farms that RFS has engaged, has assisted RFS to keep tariff increases lower.
Together with this, we have entered into the “winter tariff period” which is June, July, and August of each year. During the winter tariff period, the cost of electricity nearly doubles across the country and such costs have to be recovered by all the local suppliers of electricity.
A further factor that needs to be considered is that during the same period last year (2023), we experienced loadshedding for approximately 25% to 30% of the time. This year, Eskom has not yet implemented any loadshedding during winter which means your normal usage will also be up substantially from last year.
This is a perfect storm as far as the cost of electricity is concerned. This is also the reason why we are circulating this general notice.
At the end of the day, the less you use the less you will pay. Electricity between peak times are the most expensive. Please try and use very little electricity between 06:00 to 09:00 in the morning and between 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening. If you can use little electricity during this time, it will bring your costs down noticeably. (meter and tariff dependent)
This situation will only last for the winter period whereafter electricity accounts will again reduce in line with summer tariffs. As of September, your account will start to normalize again.
We trust that you will find the above in order and if there are any further questions please don’t hesitate to visit the RFS office where our friendly personnel will assist you. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact Gouws Marais at 0834497210 or Susan Goldner at 0761521134.
Please remember that your electricity consumption is in your own hands and any savings will be to your own benefit.
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