GEORGE NEWS - Ratepayers who install photovoltaic systems in their homes are not exempt from paying the basic capacity levy that all electricity customers of George Municipality are subject to.

There is, however, not any additional levy payable, as a reader said in a letter to the newspaper. 

Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services Kobus Wilken says, "We can, however, not predict what will be required in the future, so this is not ruled out, but is not currently implemented."

Minimum levy for PV

Wilken says the municipality requires all properties with PV systems to maintain a minimum tariff capacity of 40A as of 1 July 2023. "This may also be adjusted in future."

At R5,16 per amp, the minimum capacity charge payable equates to R206,40 per month.

You must add to this the basic electricity charge of R85,64 per month, payable by all domestic consumers (one- or three-phase capacity exceeding 20amps single phase), plus an energy charge of 239,24 cents per kWh for electricity used from the grid.

According to the municipal tariff list, the capacity can be selected in steps of 10amps from 20 to 80amps for one-phase, and in steps of 10amps from 20amps up to 3 x 80 amps for three-phase. The capacity can be increased beyond 60amps with special permission from the director of Electrotechnical Services.

Should a domestic customer feed back to the grid, there are also other costs, which are reflected in the tariff list on the municipality's website.

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