The Ekurhuleni Metro is ill-treating indigent residents by charging them higher rates once they exceed the maximum 50 units of free electricity.
For years, the Metro has promised to support indigent residents by offering them special tariffs.
The facts, however, tell a different story:
| Monthly Electricity Consumption | Indigents | Ordinary Consumers |
| Consumption Block: 0 – 50 kWh | R0,00 | R2,5865 |
| Consumption Block: 50 – 600 kWh | R2,5861 | R2,5865 |
| Consumption Block: 600 – 700 kWh | R4,3956 | R4,0341 |
| Consumption Block: 700+ | R12, 3889 | R10,4287 |
| Flat Rate (for billing systems unable to accommodate block rates) | R2,7356 | R2,7061 |
This means that as soon as a poor household has consumed its 50 units of free electricity, it is penalised with higher tariffs and must also pay the basic fee of R109.
This is unfair to indigent families with children, needy elderly persons and people working or studying from home.
The Metro simply cannot continue to mistreat those in need. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that the Metro reviews its discriminatory tariff structure.
It is unjust and unacceptable that indigent households have to, once they exceed the maximum threshold, pay more per unit of electricity than wealthier households.
The party will pressure the Ekurhuleni Metro to prioritise reviewing its tariff structure and ensure that indigents are treated fairly.
