City of Cape Town on unrest over new electricity meters: 'There's no cost to residents'

Lester Kiewit interviews Alderman Xanthea Limberg, City of Cape Town's Mayco Member for Energy.

Listen below.

Residents of Lavender Hill say life has become unbearable due to the high cost of electricity.

Last week, they took to the streets to protest against electricity tariffs and the replacement of meters, which residents claim they will have to pay for themselves.

In response, the City of Cape Town noted a significant increase in meter tampering cases, largely attributed to soaring energy costs, especially affecting vulnerable households.

The City claims to offer some of the highest levels of social support of all South Africa's metros.

This includes absorbing part of Eskom's tariff increases and providing substantial Free Basic Electricity grants and assistance through the Lifeline tariff.

Limberg clarifies that if a meter replacement or investigation is needed, it will be provided at no cost to the resident or property owner.

She also notes that residents will continue to pay the same rate per unit of electricity.

"You will remain on the same tariff and you will be charged the same electricity unit price, whether you are on your old meter or whether you get the new meter."

- Alderman Xanthea Limberg

Regarding electricity price increases, Limberg explains that the new financial year has brought higher electricity rates due to Eskom's price hikes.

She emphasises that the City has made every effort to shield residents from the full impact of these increases.

Limberg says they issue notices to customers about the meter replacement programme.

If residents are not home, an access letter is left outlining the steps involved.

If residents do not respond within 14 days as per the letter, the City will disconnect the power supply.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.