Lavender Hill residents blocked Prince George Drive on Thursday afternoon to protest high electricity tariffs. Photos: Ashraf Hendricks
Ashraf Hendricks reports in GroundUp that Lavender Hill residents protested on Prince George Drive over high electricity tariffs.
IN SUMMARY:
- Protesters say electricity costs increased after new prepaid meters were installed.The City of Cape Town claims the new meters do not raise costs and the price per unit is the same across meters.
- The City noted a rise in prepaid meter tampering due to rising living costs.
- Tasneen Davids, a protest organiser, said pensioners are forced to borrow money due to high electricity costs, affecting essentials like food and rent.
- Fatima Isaacs reported her electricity bill doubled from R250 to R500 after the new meter installation, forcing her family to cut back on food.
- Dorothy Soetwater said her electricity costs exceed R2,000 per month, and she has to borrow money for basic needs.
- The City reiterated that meter replacements did not raise prices but faulty meters being corrected might explain some increases.
- Eskom’s proposed 44% tariff hike is blamed for the growing crisis, and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis asked the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) to reject it.
- The City offers subsidised electricity to low-income households and price reductions for those using less than 450 units monthly.
- Pensioner Jainap Lewis spends over R2,000 monthly on electricity, despite using a gas stove.
- Mark Schrikker, chairperson of the 7945 Community Action Group, said his family of four pays over R3,000 monthly, and high tariffs are “suffocating” the community.
- Schrikker warned the situation could “boil over” if the City doesn’t address it and called for the removal of new meters.
- Protests are expected to continue until demands are met.
