Ekurhuleni Prepaid Electricity Tariffs Explained: Find the Best Option for Your Home
Ekurhuleni prepaid electricity tariffs come in different options, each with unique prices and benefits. Some are ideal for smaller households, while others suit larger families with higher energy needs. If you’re not sure which tariff you’re on, you might be paying more than necessary.
This guide explains all Ekurhuleni prepaid electricity tariffs clearly—what each one offers, how to switch, and practical tips to save on your energy costs.
What Is the Ekurhuleni Prepaid Electricity Tariff A?
This Ekurhuleni electricity tariff option is an Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) designed for residential customers with single- or three-phase connections. The cost per unit increasesas you use more electricity, meaning the higher your monthly consumption, the more expensive each additional unit becomes.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, this subsidized option is split into two groups:
Category A1: Designed for approved indigent and deemed indigent residential customers. Customers in this category receive 50kWh of free basic electricity (FBE) per month and are not required to pay a basic monthly charge.
Category A2: Unlike A1, all residential customers can qualify as A2 customers. However, they don’t receive free basic electricity.
Basic charge:
Single-phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month
Three-phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month
The purpose of this basic charge is to help the municipality recover the costs associated with distributing electricity, as well as ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Electricity fee (energy usage):
0–600 units: R2.58 per unit
600–700 units: R4.03 per unit
Above 700 units: R10.42 per unit
These energy charges exclude 15% VAT
What Is the Ekurhuleni Prepaid Electricity Tariff B?
Unlike Tariff A, which applies for an unfixed rate, the prepaid electricity rate for Ekurhuleni Prepaid Electricity Tariff B uses flat per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It is available for all residential users, excluding those using medium and high voltage.
Basic charge (introduced in 2018):
Single-phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month
Three-phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month
Electricity fee (energy usage):
All units: R3.37 per unit (excluding 15% VAT)
Which to Choose: Tariff A vs Tariff B?
The main difference between the two options lies in the pricing. Tariff A uses an inclining block tariff, while Tariff B applies a flat rate. So, choosing between them depends on your household’s monthly electricity consumption.
Feature | Tariff A | Tariff B |
Type | Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) | Flat Rate Tariff |
Free Units | 50 kWh (Category A1 only) | None |
Basic Charge | R109.78 – R203.89 | R109.78 – R203.89 |
Best For | Low-usage households | High-usage households |
When to Choose Tariff A
Tariff A is the best option for households with monthly electricity usage below 819.10kWh units. It offers 50 kWh of free electricity each month for indigent customers (Category A1). For non-indigent, low-consumption customers (Category A2), the tariff is still favorable as long as monthly usage remains low.
When to Choose Tariff B
For households with monthly electricity consumption above 819.10 kWh units, Tariff B is more suitable. The flat rates mean the cost per kWh remains constant regardless of how much electricity you use. If your monthly usage is consistently high, reaching the maximum blocks of Tariff A, it becomes more cost-effective.
How to Change Prepaid Ekurhuleni Electricity Tariff?
The City of Ekurhuleni lets you switch tariffs without paying extra. First, check your usual monthly usage and see if another tariff works out cheaper. Once you’ve compared, you can follow these steps to make the change:
Step 1. Check Your Current Tariff
Review your latest prepaid electricity slip or online account to confirm whether you’re on Tariff A or B. Make sure you’ve been on your current tariff for at least 12 months before requesting a change, otherwise your application may not be approved.
Step 2. Obtain the Application Form
Get the form “Application for Tariff Change - Prepayment Meters” from the official City of Ekurhuleni website. Or, you can call, email, or visit your nearest customer service center to request it.
Step 3. Complete the Form
Fill in all the required details on the application form. Some essential information includes your personal information, prepaid meter number, electricity account number, tariff type, etc.
Step 4. Submit the Application
Once the form is complete, submit it, and the City of Ekurhuleni will process your application. Once approved, the tariff change will take effect immediately for the prepayment meter.
Tips on Reducing Electricity Fees
Cutting down on your electricity bill takes more than just picking the right prepaid tariff. Simple habits at home can help you save electricity and still keep everything running as it should.
Here are a few practical tips:
Analyze Your Consumption and Choose the Right Tariff
Regularly check your monthly electricity usage. Tariff A gets more expensive the more power you use. Tariff B has one flat rate. For homes that use lots of power, Tariff B is often cheaper. Looking at your monthly use helps you pick the tariff that keeps your bill down.
Explore Alternative Electricity Purchasing Options
There are different ways to top up your meter. Besides traditional vendors, you can also buy electricity online. This method is convenient for comparing prices, often helping you get the most budget-friendly choice. In most cases, you can track your spending more easily, which helps you stay on budget.
Implement Energy-Saving Practices
Making simple changes to your daily habits can lead to significant savings. For example, try energy-efficient LEDs, switch off the lights when you leave a room, and wash clothes with cold water instead of hot. These easy-to-practice behaviors can help reduce your energy consumption over time.
Add Solar Power to Lower Your Grid Dependence
Solar panels are easier to get now and can help lower how much grid power you need. Even a small setup can run basic appliances and take pressure off your prepaid meter. When you link solar with a portable power station, you can store extra energy to use at night or when electricity is more expensive. This way, you save money and keep your home running smoothly.
Among the many options, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station stands out for its flexible, expandable design. A single unit stores between 4kWh and 12kWh, enough to power several home appliances for hours.
If needed, you can expand it up to 48kWh, putting it on par with the best home backup systems. With 7 unique and 18 combined charging methods, you can recharge it to 80% in just 50 minutes. With this kind of setup, you’re not only ready for blackouts—you’re one step closer to living partly off the grid.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Picking the right Ekurhuleni prepaid electricity tariff can help keep your monthly bills under control. This guide has shown the basics of Tariff A and Tariff B, making it easier to learn how the system works and what fits your home best. Once you know the differences, it’s easier to use power wisely and save more each month. And if you want extra peace of mind during power cuts, an EcoFlow portable power station is a smart backup to keep your home running.
FAQs
Is there a fee for changing tariffs?
No, according to the City of Ekurhuleni’s official documentation, you don’t need to pay for changing your prepaid electricity tariff. Simply complete the application form and submit it to the municipality for approval.
How much is 1 unit of electricity in Ekurhuleni?
The price per unit (1 kWh) in Ekurhuleni depends on your tariff type and total monthly usage. On average, it’s about R2.58 to R3.37 per unit, but the rate can be lower with subsidized or indigent tariffs, and higher if you fall into a higher usage block.
What is the cheapest way to buy prepaid electricity?
The cheapest option is to buy straight from your municipality or electricity provider. You can do this online through their website or your banking app, and you won’t pay extra fees. Buying tokens at shops or through third-party vendors often adds a service charge, which makes your electricity more expensive.