City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the City is exploring microgrids to address persistent electricity challenges in Ennerdale and surrounding communities.
Morero made the remarks during a City Power community imbizo in Ennerdale, following ongoing electricity supply problems across the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre that require urgent leadership intervention.
Residents in Ennerdale, Lawley, Vlakfontein, Lenasia South, Finetown, Freedom Park and Zakariyya Park have been affected by mounting pressure on the electricity network.
Morero identified growing electricity demand from informal settlements as one of the factors placing strain on existing infrastructure.
He said microgrids could provide safer, metered electricity alternatives in informal settlements where residents often rely on illegal connections.
The systems could also reduce pressure on existing transformers, improve electricity access in areas where conventional network extensions are difficult and help limit the dangers associated with unsafe connections.
Morero explained that microgrids could support more stable electricity supplies while longer-term electrification projects are implemented and communities undergo formalisation.
The mayor also addressed electricity tariffs, urging residents to understand how their consumption levels affect the amount they pay.
He said City Power would educate consumers about the tariff structure as part of its modernisation programme.
“The more you consume, you are also pushed into higher tariffs. And the higher tariffs mean you pay more,” Morero said.
He encouraged residents to familiarise themselves with how they purchase electricity and to manage their consumption carefully.
Morero further clarified that qualifying households registered on the City’s Extended Social Package (ESP) would be exempt from the R300 electricity availability charge.
However, employed residents who do not qualify for the exemption would be required to pay the fee.
He said the availability charge contributes towards maintaining and servicing the City’s electricity infrastructure.
The proposed microgrid approach forms part of the City’s broader efforts to improve electricity access, ease pressure on existing infrastructure and promote safer electricity connections across affected communities.
