Times Of Swaziland: GOOD NEWS: LOW TARIFFS FOR 20 000 EEC CUSTOMERS

GOOD NEWS: LOW TARIFFS FOR 20 000 EEC CUSTOMERS
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BY SITHEMBILE HLATSHWAYO on 05/08/2021 08:40:00


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.