Tariff Guide

Current 2025/26 electricity tariff rates for all available municipalities. Rates effective from 1 July 2025 (municipalities) and 1 April 2025 (Eskom Direct).

Abbreviation & terms key (click to expand)

IBTInclining Block Tariff — the more electricity you use, the higher the rate per kWh on each higher block. Designed to protect low-usage households.

TOUTime of Use — the rate changes depending on the time of day. Cheaper late at night (off-peak), expensive in the morning and evening (peak).

kWhKilowatt-hour — the unit electricity is measured in. Running a 1 000-watt appliance (e.g. a kettle) for one hour uses 1 kWh.

FBEFree Basic Electricity — a government subsidy giving registered low-income households a set number of free kWh per month.

NERSANational Energy Regulator of South Africa — approves all electricity tariff increases before they take effect. nersa.org.za

VATValue-Added Tax at 15% — all rates on this site already include VAT. What you see is what you pay.

BlockA kWh range within an IBT structure. Only the units consumed within that range pay that block's rate.

PeakHigh-demand time slots (mornings and evenings) — the most expensive TOU period.

Off-peakLow-demand time slots (late night) — the cheapest TOU period. Best for running geysers, washing machines.

ESP/FBEExpanded Social Package / Free Basic Electricity — indigent support programme. Apply at your municipality to waive fixed charges and receive free electricity.

VerifiedRate confirmed directly from the official published municipal or Eskom tariff schedule.

EstimatedRate derived from applying the NERSA-approved increase percentage to the last confirmed rate. Treated as a close approximation.

Source: All rates sourced from NERSA-approved tariff schedules and official municipal websites only. Rates marked "Estimated" are derived from confirmed % increases applied to the last known verified rate. View NERSA pricing decisions ↗