01/09/2026
IMPORTANT ELECTRICITY TARIFF REBATE UPDATE
The ward offices have been inundated with calls, messages and complaints regarding the electricity tariff rebates, the different electricity rates being charged, and the free electricity tokens that qualifying customers are meant to receive. The frustration and confusion being experienced by residents is understood. The situation is unfortunately not straightforward, as customers appear to be receiving different outcomes when purchasing electricity.
The following are examples:
• Some purchased electricity at the previous rate of R4.51 per unit and received their free electricity token.
• Some purchased electricity at the reduced rate of R3.80 per unit but did not receive their free token.
• Others purchased electricity at R3.80 per unit and did receive their free token.
• There are also discrepancies involving purchases made through Wire-It, with some receiving their tokens while others have not.
Clearly, this is causing considerable confusion, particularly when residents are comparing their purchase slips and finding that people in similar circumstances have been treated differently.
Today, DA Cllr Brendon Pegram engaged with a number of municipal officials, including officials within the Revenue Division, and Budget and Treasury, to establish exactly what is happening. The information provided indicates that there is currently a significant system-related problem affecting the processing and allocation of the electricity rebates/tokens.
Important to note is that NMBM officials have indicated that they are aware of the discrepancies and that the Municipality's systems contain information showing:
• Which qualifying customers have already received their rebate/free token;
• Which qualifying customers were supposed to receive a rebate but have not yet received it; and
• Which customers were charged at different electricity rates.
Cllr Pegram was assured that these discrepancies will be addressed and that customers who are entitled to rebates but have not yet received them will not simply be forgotten.
Another important point that has come to light, is that the Municipality has only processed the rebate calculations relating to July 2026 at this stage. This means that the Municipality has dealt with electricity purchases made between: 1 July 2026 and 31 July 2026. The rebate calculations for August 2026 have not yet been completed.
Residents therefore need to be aware that if electricity was purchased during August and a rebate is expected, this process has apparently not yet been undertaken by the Municipality.
Given the number of complaints received, Cllr Pegram has formally written to the relevant municipal department as well as the Acting Chief Financial Officer requesting clarity on the process, the system problems being experienced and most importantly, when residents can expect the outstanding rebates to be resolved.
He will continue engaging with the Municipality until there are clear answers.
This situation is extremely frustrating, particularly for residents who have seen different amounts being charged or who have not received the rebate token that they believe they are entitled to. Please do not simply assume that you have lost your rebate because you have not received a token. Based on the information provided, the Municipality is able to identify the affected customers and the discrepancies on its systems.
Further information will be provided as soon as a formal response and clearer timelines are received from the Municipality.
DA Ward Councillors will continue to hold the relevant officials accountable and push for this matter to be resolved.
The DA will not stop fighting until our residents receive what they are entitled to.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
