City of Cape Town Electricity Tariffs

Current City of Cape Town electricity tariffs for 2026. View the latest approved 2026 rates, lifeline tariffs, and specific R40 units block information below.

2026 Rates & R40 Units Update

The 2026 City of Cape Town electricity tariff structure includes specific R40 units allocations for lifeline customers. Ensure you are aware of your block thresholds to maximize your units.

Rand to Units Calculator

Instantly see how many units you'll get.

R
Estimated Units: 48.12 kWh
Rate used: R2.08 / kWh
Applicable: Block 1 (0-350 kWh)

* Note: Estimates are based on current rates. Municipalities may deduct fixed daily service charges or arrears from your balance before issuing units.

City of Cape Town Overview

Validated pricing data sourced directly from NERSA.

Increase

12.8

Lifeline Tariff

residential_lifeline

prepaid

Charge Breakdown

207.81 c/kWh
Min: 0 Max: 350
207.81 c/kWh
Min: 351 Max: 0

Domestic User

residential_standard

prepaid

Charge Breakdown

308.58 c/kWh
Min: 0 Max: 600
370.21 c/kWh
Min: 601 Max: 0
59.9 R/month
Min: 0 Max: 0

Home User

residential_standard

prepaid

Charge Breakdown

264.6 c/kWh
Min: 0 Max: 600
365.2 c/kWh
Min: 601 Max: 0
263.51 R/day
Min: 0 Max: 0

Cape Town Quick Reference: Rand to Units

See exactly how many units you get for common prepaid amounts in 2026.

Block 1 Rates
Voucher Amount Lifeline units (kWh) Domestic units (kWh) Home User units (kWh)
R20 9.62 units 6.48 units 7.56 units
R40 19.25 units 12.96 units 15.12 units
R50 24.06 units 16.20 units 18.90 units
R100 48.12 units 32.41 units 37.79 units
R200 96.24 units 64.81 units 75.59 units

Calculations based on Block 1 rates. Home User calculations exclude the fixed R263.51 daily service charge, which is deducted before units are issued. Moving into Block 2 (over 600kWh/month) will result in fewer units for the same Rand amount.

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Electricity Tariff FAQs

Common questions about municipal electricity rates and lifeline tariffs.

A lifeline tariff is a special electricity rate designed to support low-income households. In most South African municipalities, if you consume less than a certain threshold (usually 350kWh - 450kWh per month), you qualify for a subsidized rate. This ensures basic electricity needs remain affordable for everyone.

Municipal electricity rates are typically structured into "blocks." As you use more electricity during a calendar month, the price per unit increases. For example, the first 600kWh might be at one rate, and anything above that at a higher rate. These rates are reviewed and approved annually by NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) and usually take effect on July 1st each year.