UNCOOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE: Nelson Mandela Bay residents confused and frustrated by electricity rebate glitches

Residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are experiencing confusion and frustration due to electricity rebate glitches following the metro's return to the inclining block tariff (IBT). The court-ordered return to the IBT, coupled with a subsequent switch to a flat rate, has led to inconsistent electricity charges and rebate payments. The municipality has not completed August's rebate calculations, adding to the residents' confusion.The ruling came after the Gqeberha High Court ordered the metro to revert to the IBT and retroactively repay customers from July 1.

However, only purchases made between July 1 and 31 have been processed for rebates, leaving August's calculations incomplete. This discrepancy has led to various situations, such as some customers receiving free electricity tokens while others did not, and some customers being charged the flat rate while others received a rebate.Daily Maverick reports that DA councillor Brendon Pegram has been inundated with complaints from residents regarding the electricity tariff rebates, different electricity rates, and the free electricity tokens.

He has reached out to the acting chief financial officer and acting city manager, expressing residents' frustration and seeking clarity on the issues. The municipal officials assure that discrepancies will be addressed, and customers entitled to rebates will receive them. However, no response has been received from the municipality so far.The proposed IBT structure includes a basic monthly charge of R91.54 for prepaid customers, which DA councillor Ondela Kepe has questioned.

Kepe has written to the City's senior director and acting executive director for electricity, seeking clarification on the IBT, the R91.54 monthly charge, and the implementation process. He also requests proof of the municipality's application to Nersa for the R91.54 basic charge and any supporting documents submitted to Nersa.