Steep increase in electricity imminent

GEORGE NEWS - Georgians will have to prepare themselves for a more than 13% increase in electricity tariffs.

This came to light at the tabling of the annual budget for the next financial year, at a special council meeting today.

Mayor Melvin Naik said central to the poor performing state of economy was the load shedding experience throughout the country.

"This occurrence had a negative effect on our income because many people are moving off the grid and installing PV (Photovoltaics*). The consequence was that we have an almost 3% drop in electricity income," said Naik.

Read Naik's full speech on the new budget.

The following services charges and other tariff increases will take effect from 1 July:

Electricity 13,07%
Water 6%
Sanitation 8,5%
Refuse 9%
General tariffs 5%

The average increase in rates and taxes is 7,31%. The operating expenditure has increased from R1 963-billion in 2018/19 (February adjustments budget) to R2 270-billion in 2019/20.

The operating revenue increases from R2,059-billion to R2,279-billion.

Appearing for the first time in her capacity as a SAC councillor, Mercia Draghoender (left) gave the DA a go during the tabling of the Integrated Development Framework - another item on today's agenda. "I don't want to know what will happen, I want to know what happened. I want dates," she said. Photos: Michelle Pienaar