GOOD NEWS: LOW TARIFFS FOR 20 000 EEC CUSTOMERS

MBABANE – It is first-come, first-served for low income earners, elderly, retired and child-headed households to enjoy cheaper electricity tariffs from September 1, 2021.

At least 20 000 customers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The process shall continue so long as there is room for additional beneficiaries. The good news comes after the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) launched the lifeline tariff, which is aimed at alleviating poverty and cushioning lower usage customers against high prices. Effectively from Monday (August 9, 2021), application forms for qualifying beneficiaries will be accepted.

Lifeline

Explaining the lifeline tariff, known as inclining block pricing scheme (S10), Acting EEC Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta said qualifying beneficiaries should meet both the criteria set in the application form, which include the economic status where one did not earn above E3 500 per month. To qualify, the beneficiary also has to consume an average level which is not above 75 units (75 kWh). “For fairness, beneficiaries under the lifeline tariff are not supposed to consume electricity beyond their limit,” he said. This, he said, could attract charges and, therefore, benefitting customers were advised to only purchase electricity units that they would use in the current month. Mkhonta stated that they had introduced three inclining blocks for S10 customers, which included Block 1 who consumed 0-75 units at E1.09 cents a tariff, which was around E81.48 per month. Meanwhile, the prevailing domestic rate fell under Block 2 for clients who were consuming around 76 to 100kWh at E1.80, while those who fell under Block 3 consuming between 100kWh paid E3.94.

According to the acting MD, to prove the household income, a salary advice or payslip accompanied by a valid letter of employment in company letter heads or company stamp was required. An authorised form duly completed by a community authority, including development officers (batfutfukisi), bagcugcuteli and bucopho with a local stamp, was also another requisite. Meanwhile, any other proof which has a backing of a statutory body incorporated in the country including the DPM’s Office was acceptable. Mkhonta stated that the applicant had to fill in an application form providing information which shall, among other things, include particulars of the applicant, household socio-economic analysis and local authority recommendations.  “Upon completion, the application form is taken to umphakatsi, inkhundla or zone leader for vetting where they append their signature and stamp,” said the acting MD.

Forms

He said the application forms could be collected from all tinkhundla centres for the initial launch of the new Inclining Block Tariff. They will also be accessible at all EEC service centres. Further, he added that the form with all the necessary attachments was to be submitted to any EEC Service Centre.

The application process

Stage 1 – EEC pre-screening to ensure compliance, eligibility and feasibility.
Stage 2 – Qualifying applications are referred to the intermediary for viability analysis including site visit.
Stage 3 – Viable applications are recommended for subsidy where EEC shall approve inclusion into Including Block Tariff.
Stage 4 – Feedback is given to applicants. Those who are not successful shall receive reasons for non-approval and they will be assisted for possible consideration in the next application period.

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