Buffalo City residents can expect to pay 13% more for electricity every year for the next three years.
That is according to Mayor Xola Pakati, who tabled the Metro's capital and operation budget in Council on Thursday, amounting to R7.12bn over the three-year Medium Term Revenue Expenditure Framework period.
Pakati said the electricity tariffs were increased in line with National Energy Regulator's consultation paper published in March.
The Buffalo City mayor said given the tough economic circumstances facing residents, single-digit increases have applied to other municipal services.
As a result, rates go up 9% while refuse removal will increase by 9.35% and water tariffs by 9.4%.
"The municipality has recognised the economic adversities that are currently being experienced by its citizens and to relieve the growing poverty it has taken a decision to strive to keep its tariff increases at the most minimal feasible levels," he said.
Pakati said that the basic welfare package for indigent households will increase by 9.76%, "translating in the new year to a basket of services to the average value of R527.08 per household per month".
