Costs and billing FAQs

Q: What is the breakdown of electricity use in Cape Town?
A: Residential uses more than commercial sector.


Q: What consumes the most electricity in the home?
A: Water heating consumes 50%.

Cape Town - Specific home consumption
Middle to high income households

Q: Where does our electricity come from?
A: Most of South Africa’s electricity comes from Eskom, with 90% of electricity being produced from coal-fired power stations (37,773 MW), and the rest from a mix of nuclear (1,800 MW), hydro-electric (2,000 MW), gas powered turbines (2,409 MW) and one wind farm (3MW).

Q: How does my electricity usage impact on the environment?
A: Coal-fired power stations produce most of South Africa’s electricity, and the burning of coal produces pollution. This pollution consists of carbon emissions (e.g. CO₂) that cause climate change, and other pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Also, coal mining damages the environment as it depletes our resources by degrading land and depleting our water supply. For every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, 1kg of CO₂ is produced and 1.26 litres of water are used.

Q: What is a kilowatt-hour (the unit we buy our electricity in)?
A: A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the amount of energy required to provide 1 kilowatt (1 000 watts) of electricity for one hour. A 100-watt light bulb burning for one hour uses 0.1 kWh. When the same bulb burns for 10 hours, it uses 1 kWh.

Q: What can I do with one-kilowatt hour of electricity?
A: Boil 75 cups of water in a kettle (30 minutes of running time). Burn a 100W light bulb for 10 hours.

Q: How do I figure out the cost of using an electrical appliance such as an air conditioner, computer or refrigerator?

A:

Find out the rate you are paying per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Find the wattage of the appliance. It is usually stamped somewhere on the bottom or back of the appliance. Divide the wattage by 1 000 to get the kilowatts used per hour. Multiply the kilowatts used per hour times your utility rate times the hours you use the appliance. (Wattage X rate/kWh X hours used)/1 000 = cost of operation

Q: How do I read my electricity meter?

A:	Prepaid meter:	Keep your slip, know your tariff, and calculate how many kWhs you get for your money. Measure how much you consume over the month by keeping a record.
	Credit metering:	Know your tariff and calculate how much you have consumed over a period of time using the meter (e.g. month to month).

Q: How do I read my pre-paid meter system?
A: The numbers displayed on the monitor indicate the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) you have. Note the number getting smaller as you use electricity. Keep an eye on your meter to monitor how much electricity you are using.

Q: Who do I call with questions about an incorrect electricity bill/charge?

A:	Account enquiries/non-payment disconnections	0800 220 440
	Meter reading consumption queries	0860 103 089
	If supplied by Eskom	0860 037 566

Q: Why is my electricity bill so high? What can I do to lower it?
A: Click here to access the Eskom ‘energy in the household’ calculator and work out your electricity bill. It will provide suggestions on how to save or you can follow the Top tips section.

Q: What are the advantages of using prepaid electricity?
A: Prepaid metering is an effective means to control your energy costs. It allows you to monitor and see how much electricity you are using at any time, thus allowing you to know which appliances use the most. Studies have shown that greater 'real-time' awareness of their electricity usage has encouraged people to drop their consumption by about 10–12%.

Q: How do I switch to prepaid electricity?
A: Call:

City of Cape Town Electricity Services general enquiries	0800 220 440
Eskom serviced areas	0860 037 566

Q: When is peak time electricity use and is it really important to reduce my usage within these hours?
A: Peak time electricity use is between 6am–9am and 6pm–9pm. To ensure energy security and reduce loadshedding it is very important to reduce your electricity consumption. Power stations around the country work hard to meet the demand during these periods.

Q: If we do everything we can at home to save electricity, how much money can we save?
A: Lots! Up to 50%, and for some households even more.