South Africa — Living: Utilities

Why this matters

Reliable access to utilities is essential for daily life, and understanding the costs and availability can help you plan your relocation and budget accordingly.

Key facts

• NERSA approved average increases of 8.76% for Eskom direct customers from 1 April 2026 (Homepower 8.76%) and 9.01% for municipalities from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, with 8.83% planned for April 2027.
• The fixed portion of the generation capacity charge rises from 20% to 30% for FY2027, and for Homepower and Homeflex from 33.33% to 66.66%.
• The free basic electricity rate is 238.60 cents per kWh for the 2026/27 municipal year.
• Homepower c/kWh rates are in the Eskom tariff booklet.

Steps

1. Setting up utilities — Contact your local municipality or a private utility provider to arrange for services. You may need to provide proof of residence and payment details.
2. Understanding utility costs — Review your monthly bills to understand the charges for each service. You may need to negotiate with your provider or explore alternative options if costs are excessive.