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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 26 MAY 2023

Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Saturday, with varying stages of loadshedding implemented over the weekend.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 26/05/2023
18:00 – 22:30 **

Saturday 27/05/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 28/05/2023
02:00 – 05:00
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 26/05/2023
21:00 – 01:30 **

Saturday 27/05/2023
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 28/05/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns especially after a 4-hour Loadshedding slot

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE 23 MAY 2023 @16:40

Tuesday, 23 May 2023: Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Wednesday. Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Wednesday. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 23/05/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 24/05/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 25/05/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Friday 26/05/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 22:30 **

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 23/05/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 24/05/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Thursday 25/05/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
16:00 – 17:30
21:00 – 23:30

Friday 26/05/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 01:30 **

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns especially after a 4-hour Loadshedding slot.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY’S FIRE STATIONS DISPLAY FOUR LOCALLY MANUFACTURED FIREFIGHTING VEHICLES

The George Municipality is proud to show off the new additions to its firefighting fleet and the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety, Councillor Charlotte Clarke, received the fleet in a special handover event that took place at the George Fire Station on Tuesday, 16 May 2023.

Also present at the official handover of the vehicles were Senior Manager of Environmental Services Sivuyile Mtila who represented the Community Services’ directorship, the Manager for George Municipal Fire and Rescue / Disaster Management Cornelius Barnard, Santa Sternsdorf, the Station Commander Training, and the newly appointed Divisional Commander for George Fire and Rescue Services Johan Brand.

“I am delighted to be receiving these vehicles that have been specifically manufactured for us by a local manufacturer,” said Mayor van Wyk as he received the vehicles from a local business owner, Brandon Woolley. “We are extremely proud to take ownership and start using these vehicles,” said Cornelius Barnard, manager for Fire and Rescue / Disaster Management.

Handing over the vehicles to the George Municipality, Woolley, the director and owner of Ramcom Trucks, a George-based company, said: “We are privileged to be able to build these vehicles for the George Municipality Fire Services out of a new material called polypropylene, which is very durable, lightweight and I think for the fire department it will be a good addition to their fleet. We are very proud of the vehicles we’ve manufactured, and we are glad that we can serve and make a difference in the community with our products.

At the George Fire Station, Santa Sternsdorf, the Station Commander Training, described each of the four new additions in the George Municipality’s fleet.

“Engine 1 (Scania) is our major pumper, a vehicle for structural firefighting – a completely rebuilt vehicle after an accident, we’re very proud to welcome her back to the fleet. Then we have one of our new vehicles a Toyota Land Cruiser with a skit unit with a state-of-the-art Polypropylene Unit that allows us to increase the water to a 600-litre tank to join the fleet.”

“Next, we have a rescue vehicle, again state-of-the-art Polypropylene canopy that now is being introduced as part of the rebuild for the vehicle where we gain weight, but we have a vehicle fit for purpose for rescue, with the jaws of life and all the needed equipment that we need for mass rescues.

“Finally, the Polaris 4×4 vehicle allows us to diversify Rescue and firefighting in overall, a good off-road vehicle to add to the fleet of George Municipality,” Sternsdorf added.

Please watch comments on the handover of the new vehicles: https://youtu.be/v6BAtDzN0UU

Caption:

Photos by: Deidré Cloete

From left: Cornelius Barnard (Manager for George Municipal Fire and Rescue / Disaste Management), Brandon Woolley (the Director and Owner of the George-based Ramcom Trucks), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Councillor Charlotte Clarke (Portfolio Councillor for the Community Safety).

(Left) Denmar King (Junior Fire Fighter) and Brad Bussack (Fire Fighter),

(Middle) Santa Sternsdorf (George Fire Station Commander Training), Johan Brand (the newly appointed Divisional Commander for George Fire and Rescue Services), Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager of Environmental Services, Councillor Charlotte Clarke (Portfolio Councillor for the Community Safety), Brandon Woolley (the Director and Owner of the George-based Ramcom Trucks), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Cornelius Barnard (Manager for George Municipal Fire and Rescue / Disaster Management),

(Right) Moses Mongo (Fire Fighter), Simpiwhe Sikhosana (Junior Fire Fighter), Heinrich Pienaar (Junior Fire Fighter).

The George Municipality is proud to show off the new additions to its firefighting fleet

Ends.

 

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE 23 MAY 2023 @08:50

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE 23 MAY 2023 @08:50

Due to the breakdown of a generating unit each at Arnot, Majuba and Medupi power stations, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 to 16:00 on Tuesday and not Stage 3 as previously communicated. Thereafter, the schedule will be implemented as previously communicated. Eskom is working on returning these generating units to service. Further updates will be communicated as soon as any changes occur. (Eskom)>>>

The following schedules for George and Uniondale remain the same as published on Sunday.

George will be affected as follows:
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 24/05/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 25/05/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Friday 26/05/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 22:30 **

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 23/05/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 24/05/2023
07:00 – 09:30
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Thursday 25/05/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
16:00 – 17:30
21:00 – 23:30

Friday 26/05/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 01:30 **

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns especially after a 4-hour Loadshedding slot.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

UPGRADING OF NGCAKANI STREET – 22 May 2023 to 05 February 2024

UPGRADING OF NGCAKANI STREET
The upgrading of Ngcakani Street will impact road users from
22 May 2023 to 05 February 2024

PROJECT:
Ngcakani Street Phase 1A – Section between Thembalethu Square and Tshefu Street

DESCRIPTION:
The upgrading of Ngcakani Street in Thembalethu is indicated in the figure.

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD: 22 May 2023 – 05 February 2024
SERVICES DISRUPTION
Municipal services may be disrupted during this period due to construction activities. Whenever possible, advance notification of temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Ngcakani Street will be constructed in half width and will remain open for one-way traffic in the direction from Thembalethu Square to Khozi Street as indicated in the figure. The first phase of construction commences on 22 May 2023.

Access to the Fire Station and Thembalethu Square will not be affected during construction and will remain open for traffic in both directions.

Extra care is to be taken by road users and pedestrians throughout the duration of the construction period. Adherence to temporary road signage and markings will be required.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:
Consulting Engineers: SMEC South Africa (Phone: 044 873 5029)
Community Liaison Officer: Zintle Nicole Langa email: nicolez.langa@gmail.com Phone:078 829 0888

The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and be aware of roadwork personnel. Details of further road upgrade work will be published as may be necessary.

 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

The George Municipality’s Strategic Growth and Development division has recently hosted a Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop to empower women entrepreneurs in the George Municipal area. The workshop focused on Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, and Human Resources for SMMEs, as well as creating a platform for a local women entrepreneur to share her success story.

“With the anticipation of the City of George’s economic development growing rapidly in the coming years, it is critical that the Municipality continues to create opportunities for all to flourish, including the empowerment of women,” said Dr Kosie Haarhoff, the Deputy Director for Strategic Growth and Development in the George Municipality in his opening remarks, during the workshop which took place on 20 April 2023 at the Workers Collection Point.

The core functions of the Municipal Strategic Growth and Development comprise business support tools and guides, investment promotion, agriculture and rural development, enterprise development, support and capacitation on the informal sector and support to the formal sector. “We aim to reduce poverty and stimulate greater social and economic progress, and the workshop is the premise of building a more stable and resilient community,” Dr Haarhoff added.

Karwynn Meyer from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) shared the importance of networking in a business environment. SEDA is an agency of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). SEDA provides non-financial support to small enterprises and cooperatives. The Agency’s services include business information, business training, incubation, access to markets, technology assistance, and marketing support.

SEDA’s involvement in the workshop was fitting as its programmes and interventions prioritise SMMEs, and cooperatives based in townships and rural areas and those owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities. SEDA aims to ensure that these SMMEs and cooperatives improve their competitiveness, the quality of products, and the production processes.

A local entrepreneur, Myrtle Bartle also addressed the attendees sharing her success stories with her range of businesses under her Playtime Productions enterprise.

Ends.

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FUMIGATION

Please note that Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) office is situated on Hibernia Street closed unexpectedly immediately, until further notice. This follows a fumigation for pest control that was conducted at the building yesterday afternoon.

Even though all the necessary safety measures and cleaning after the fumigation were done as per the service provider’s instructions, staff members complained about allergic reactions and other symptoms suspected to have been caused by the fumes that remained in the building.

As a safety precaution, all officials have been released for medical checks and the building was temporarily closed, only allowing testing of vehicles, as this area is not affected.

The Municipality will keep you informed of any developments.

Issued by George Municipality, 17 May 2023

GEORGE MUNICIPAL INTERNAL AUDIT DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL INTERNAL AUDIT MONTH

The month of May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month and the Internal audit professionals play an important role in raising awareness and elevating the Internal Audit (IA) profession. Therefore, it is an ideal opportunity to showcase The George Municipality’s Internal Audit Team and the value-adding Role of Internal Audit.

The Municipality’s internal audit has taken up the challenge to launch an awareness campaign as part of the celebrations. According to JP Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, the Municipal IA has been engaging its stakeholders and has also collaborated with the Municipal communication and media office to create content that will be published on the municipal social media platforms throughout the month of May in celebration of International Internal Audit Awareness month.

“The George IA Team is truly proud to be associated with such an amazing profession. Being able to Add Value and improve processes of the municipality should be one of the key drivers for young South Africans to choose a career in internal audit,” Rossouw said.

Below, Rossouw explains the purpose of Internal Audit, motivates why young South Africans choose a career in internal auditing, simplifies internal audit for someone who has never studied internal audit and introduces George Municipality’s Internal Audit team.

Purpose of Internal Audit

The George Municipality’s internal audit activity aims to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the municipality’s operations. The internal audit activity helps the municipality accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.

To elaborate on the functions and importance of Internal Auditing, we have used this opportunity to showcase our Internal Audit Team and the Role of Internal Audit within the municipality with some frequently asked questions.

Why should young South Africans choose a career in internal auditing?

Internal Auditing is a very exciting career. One where you can change any organisation’s direction by improving efficiency and effectiveness based on internal audit observations and recommendations. You get exposed to all aspects and levels of a business, making Internal Audit a perfect development environment for other strategic management positions.

Internal Auditors assist management to address the business’s high strategic risks and assist the organisation to achieve their goals and objectives. We act as Change Catalysts to initiate and manage strategic and procedural change by providing assurance, advice, and insight at Board and Organisational levels.

How would you define internal audit to someone who has never studied internal audit?

All organizations have goals and objectives. However, there are risks/ events that will hamper the organisation in achieving those goals and objectives. That is why the organisation institute various controls in place to govern and manage those risks and processes. Now Internal Audit assists organizations to achieve those goals and objectives.

We do this by providing a comprehensive service (what we call assurance and advisory services) to add value and improve the organization’s processes. This is done by assessing and reviewing the organization’s risks, controls, and governance processes. We are independent and impartial in providing these services. (Independence is maintained by a dual reporting line: administratively to the Accounting Officer and functionally to the Council / Audit Committee).

The Internal Audit Activity strives to provide value-added service to an organisation by providing workable and sustainable solutions.

George Municipal Internal Audit Team: 

  • Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive)
  • Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit)
  • Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor)
  • Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
  • Natacha Martins (IA Intern)
  • Xolisile Sotushe (IA Intern)
  • La-Chuney Jansen (Admin Intern)
  • Sinovuyo Robile (Admin Intern)

Ends.

CAPTION: From Left: Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor), Natacha Martins (Intern: Internal Audit), La- Chuney Jansen (Intern: Internal Audit), Sinovuyo Robile (Intern: Internal Audit), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit), Xolisile Sotushe (Intern: Internal Audit) and Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor).

THE WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES CONVENE AN INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

The Western Cape Government (WCG) on Friday, 12 May 2023 held a Strategic Integrated Municipal Engagement (SIME) with the George Municipality in the George Council Chambers.

This follows the completion of the assessment of the George Municipality’s tabled budget, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and related documents. The province’s assessment of the municipality was discussed during the SIME engagement as well as a strategic discussion on key developmental priorities over the medium term.

During the discussions with the Provincial representation, the George Municipality was represented by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Portfolio Councillor for Financial & Strategic Services Dirk Wessels, George Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz, Chief Financial Officer Riaan du Plessis and senior management from various Municipal Departments.

Ends.

PUBLIC NOTICE: ALIEN INVASIVE PLANTS

Municipal Plant of the Month – Bugweed, Luisboom: Solanum mauritianum.
Bugweed is a Category 1b invasive species which must be removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Impacts: Robust, long-lived (up to 30 years) and fast-growing – easily reaching a height of 3-5m, shading out other vegetation. It can flower year-round but fruiting occurs in late spring to early summer. It is tolerant of many soil types and quickly becomes established around plantations, forest margins, scrub and open land. All parts of the plant are poisonous – in particular the unripe green berries. Birds, which are unaffected by the poison, act as seed dispersers.

Identification: A large untidy straggly shrub with distinctive large dull grey-green leaves that are velvety above with white felty undersides. The leaves have an off-putting scent. Clusters of purple flowers with yellow centres occur throughout the year. The fruits are borne in compact terminal clusters of berries of 10 mm across, turning yellow when ripe.

 

 

Control: Felling and treating the stump with the herbicide Timbrel or Kaput easily kills bugweed. Alternatively, the stump can be frilled and the frill treated with the same herbicide. Any clearing must have a follow-up program to address the inevitable seed germination.

References: www.invasives.org.za : www.sanbi.org : www.gpwonline.co.za/ Gazettes/Gazettes/37886_1-8_EnvAffairs.pdf – p.29 : www.george .org.za/page/environmental_affairs (search under COMMUNITY SERVICES and NEWS tabs.
#alieninvasiveplantsawareness

 

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place
Issued 15 May 2023, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 87.67
Rainfall for previous 7 days: 54.80 mm (Measured up to and including 14 May 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – 13 MAY 2023 – 12:30

UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – ALL LANES REOPENED – 13 MAY 2023 – 12:30
N2, direction George and Cape Town has been reopened to traffic. Both lanes (direction Cape Town and George) have been reopened to traffic. The N2 was closed following a bus collision earlier today, 13 May at 01:30. Issued on behalf of Garden Route District Municipality

 

UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – 13 MAY 2023 – 11:00
N2, direction George has been reopened to traffic. N2 direction Cape Town (between Langeberg Mall and Dana Bay off ramps) remains closed following a bus collision earlier today, 13 May at 01:30. The closure is due to the removal of the wrecks and an investigation at the scene.
Traffic direction Cape Town travelling in the N2 will be redirected onto Louis Fourie Road by traffic officials at the scene.
Traffic on Louis Fourie Road from the Langeberg Mall is particularly slow. Motorists are requested to be patient and to drive with caution.
The reopening of the N2 (direction Cape Town, section Langeberg Mall offramp to Dana Bay offramp) cannot be confirmed at this stage but is expected later today.
It has been confirmed that patients have been treated at hospital in Mossel Bay and George. Passengers that were not injured and unharmed have been seen to and transported by the bus companies involved.
Issued on behalf of the Garden Route DM

 

UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – 13 MAY 2023 – 08:50

ALL LANES of the N2, between the Langeberg Mall and Dana Bay offramps – in BOTH directions are now closed. This follows a bus collision earlier today, 13 May at 01:30. The closure is due to the removal of the wrecks and the investigation into the cause of the collision.

ALL TRAFFIC (direction Cape Town and George) travelling in the N2 will be redirected onto Louis Fourie Road by traffic officials at the scene. Motorists are requested to be patient. Reopening of the N2 (section Langeberg Mall offramp to Dana Bay offramp) to be expected later this morning.
Issued by Garden Route District Municipality.

UPDATE: N2 CLOSURE – 13 MAY 2023 – 07:15

The N2 is closed following a bus collision earlier today, 13 May at 01:30.

Both lanes direction George to Mossel Bay (section Langeberg Mall offramp to Dana Bay offramp) are CLOSED. Both lanes of the N2 direction Mossel Bay to George are open.

Motorists travelling from George direction Cape Town will be redirected onto Louis Fourie Road. Motorists are requested to be patient. An investigation team from Cape Town is expected at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the collision is expected to start at the scene after 07:00. Reopening of the N2 (section Langeberg Mall offramp to Dana Bay offramp) to be expected later this morning.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY APPOINTS A DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

The George Municipality is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawie Adonis as the Director of Community Services with effect from 1st May 2023. The Community Services Directorectorate incorporates two components; the environmental services which comprise solid waste, environmental health, refuse removal, street cleaning & ablution, parks & recreation, and sports. The second component of the directorate’s responsibility is community Safety which includes traffic services, law enforcement, fire, rescue and disaster management, anti-land invasion and customer care.

The Malmesbury-born Adonis comes with 39 years of local government experience from various municipalities across the Western Cape and occupied a range of different positions. His first job in local government dates to 1984 as a Housing Clerk for the Malmesbury Municipality, now known as Swartland Municipality and thereafter joined the Saldanha Municipality as Housing Officer in 1988.

In his pursuit of growth and better work opportunities, Adonis joined the management echelon of the local government in 1994 as Town Secretary, of the then-disestablished Caledon Municipality. In 2001, he was appointed Director of Corporate Services at Theewaterskloof Municipality (TWK). He played a pivotal role in the historic amalgamation of seven disestablished municipalities into one and developed an organisational structure without any external support.

Adonis’ vast experience in local government includes serving in different municipalities such as Langeberg Municipality (Ashton, Robertson), Knysna Municipality, Cederberg Municipality and Overberg District Municipality holding various positions from manager of human settlements, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Director of Community Services to Municipal Manager between 2001 to 2023. Adonis’ experience is backed by an Honours Degree in Public Administration and a Diploma in Public Accountability.

“Local government is my passion. I spent my entire working life serving communities. As a senior manager at George Municipality, I will strive to take the Directorate of Community Services to a level of excellence and responsiveness when executing our service delivery mandate,” said Adonis.

Adonis is an ardent motorsport enthusiast and keen golfer in his leisure time. He is married and has two children.

Ends.

REMINDER PUBLIC NOTICE 2: ELECTRICAL TARIFSS (AMP LIMIT) – Phase 3 of Power Limit Adjustment Project to roll out 1 July 2023

REMINDER PUBLIC NOTICE 2: ELECTRICAL TARIFSS (AMP LIMIT) – Phase 3 of Power Limit Adjustment Project to roll out 1 July 2023

PHASE THREE ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT will take place as follows:
From the 1st of July 2023, the municipality will bill consumers based on Installed Capacity of their prepaid meters
• If you have an installed capacity of 60A prepaid meter on your premise you will be billed on 60A in line with the new tariff structure, unless.
o Your meter has been limited through the field team; or
o You have applied for capacity selection via elec.applications@george.gov.za and received a reference.
• All consumers who have applied to the municipality, will be billed based on the selected capacity on the application form.
• All consumers who have already made their selections and field teams have implemented the changes will not be impacted by these changes.
Please apply as soon as possible to avoid paying for installed capacity while requiring a lower capacity. By the end of June 2023, consumers would have had sufficient time to apply for their required capacity. “

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
George Municipality embarked on process to phase in a new electricity tariff structure last year on 1 July last year and which is in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved cost of supply study for George as well as the municipal Electricity Pricing Policy. The municipality has been effecting these changes in a variety of ways to limit the impact on our consumers as far as possible.
PHASE ONE ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT – has included to date:
• Consumers were provided with an opportunity to select their Amperage capacity, in line with their household power requirement.
• Consumers who had not yet selected for their capacity (AMPS) by 1 July 2022, were then placed on a capacity selected by the municipality. The capacity selection was based on the consumers historic consumption (12 months prior). The option remains open for these consumers to make a change and select their own capacity.
• George Municipality has sent out field teams to visit residents at home and implement the changes, where for example a resident has applied and chosen a capacity for their house; and/or where no selection was made, and the municipality then applied a capacity based on historic consumption.
• Consumers were also given the opportunity to make a capacity selection while a field team was at their home – so doing to minimise the impact of a Consumer making a choice which then does not work for them and having to get the field team in back to make a change again.
• Communication through various platforms has continued to request consumers to make their selection timeously.

Thousands of Consumers have had the Capacity (AMPS) addressed through either their own selection OR by the municipal capacity selection.
George Municipality has already successfully implemented power limit adjustments on thousands of its prepaid meter base, through the work done by field staff following the applications received from consumers for a specific capacity or by the municipality making the decision for Phase 1 power limit based on historical consumption. The field teams will continue to go out weekly to do Amperage limit roll-out and site inspections on prepaid meters.

What about Consumers who have not yet made a selection?
The consumers who have not made a selection yet or who are not happy with the selection made by the municipality based on historical consumption, are encouraged to do so speedily on the details shared below. The first and most preferred option is always for our consumers to select the capacity they require. Consumers are allowed one opportunity per financial year to make such a change in capacity.

PHASE TWO ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT has taken place as communicated as follows:
From the 1st of April 2023, the municipality applied the following Capacity Selection based on the historic consumption:
• If a consumer had a 12-month average historic monthly consumption of above 400 units (kWh) and below 600 units (kWh), the consumer was placed on a 30A.
• If a consumer had a 12-month average historic monthly consumption of above 600 units (kWh) the consumer was placed on a 40A.
• Indigents consumers were not impacted by this phase, as all indigent consumers are dealt with in line with the Indigent Policy.
• All consumers who have already made their selections were not impacted.

PHASE THREE ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT will take place as follows:
From the 1st of July 2023, the municipality will bill consumers based on Installed Capacity
• If you have an installed capacity of 60A prepaid meter in your premise you will be billed on 60A in line with the new tariff structure, unless.
o Your meter has been limited through the field team; or
o You have applied for capacity selection via elec.applications@george.gov.za and received a reference.
• All consumers who have applied to the municipality, will be billed based on the selected capacity on the application form.
• All consumers who have already made their selections and field teams have implemented the changes will not be impacted by these changes.
Please apply as soon as possible to avoid paying for installed capacity while requiring a lower capacity. By the end of June 2023, consumers would have had sufficient time to apply for their required capacity.

Key Reminders on the applicable Electrical Tariffs are:
• Consumers are only allowed one capacity change per financial year; any additional changes would be subject to tariff for changes.
• Small Domestic and Commercial tariffs (that is Prepaid and conventionally metered Consumers) are linked to the capacity limit of supply they choose.
• Consumers who are willing to manage their loads within a capacity limited to 20 Amps Single Phase are offered a subsidised tariff with no fixed charges.
• All Consumers who require more than 20 Amp capacity are charged a phased-in Cost Reflective Tariff with:
• a Fixed Basic Charge,
• a Capacity Charge depending on the capacity limit of the supply and
• a lower Energy Charge.
• Bulk consumers have all been moved to a Time of Use tariff.
• Small Scale Energy Generators (SSEG) consumers are subject to fixed and Time of Use energy charges. Further information on understanding the potential electricity cost and management of loads, and how to decide about the capacity you can choose will be provided.

Bear this in mind when making your choice:
• Capacity selection by the municipality based on the consumers’ historic consumption was for a financial break-even to reduce the impact on the customer and not necessarily to confirm the capacity required.
• The Municipality cannot determine the optimal capacity required with the available meter data; therefore, consumers must determine what their energy and capacity requirements are.
• The municipality has noted that customers are selecting the capacity as low as possible to reduce cost without understanding the implications. This is evident by the number of upgrades required once a selection is implemented. Please consider your selection carefully.

Do you want to discuss your energy consumption and find out what the best Capacity will be for your needs, phone 044 801 9243, have your Municipal Account Number and Prepaid Meter Number handy OR email your query to elec.applications@george.gov.za