Electricity tariffs outpaced water, property rates over last 5 years, reveals Stats SA

JOHANNESBURG – Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said electricity prices had risen sharply over the last 15 years as costly tariffs continue to pinch consumer wallets.

The statistics agency released the latest inflation figures on Wednesday, including new data for electricity, water, and property rates.

Overall, the housing and utilities index increased between June and July, leading to an annual increase of 5.3%.

While tariff hikes were lower in 2024, the chief director for Price Statistics at Stats SA, Patrick Kelly, said electricity tariffs outpaced water and property rates between 2019 and 2024.

"Electricity tariffs increased by 12.1% compared with 15.3% in 2023, water tariffs by 7.5% compared with 9.6% in 2023, and property rates by 10.7% compared with 8.4% in 2023."