If your July bill caught you off guard, you’re not alone. From 1 July 2025, the City of Johannesburg implemented a new set of tariffs that affect nearly every household expense—from power to water to waste. Here's what every Randpark Ridge resident should know.
📊 Tariff Increases at a Glance
| Service | 2024/25 | 2025/26 Increase | New Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | R1.00/unit (avg.) | +12.74% | R1.13/unit (avg.) |
| Water & Sanitation | Tiered | +13.9% | Varies (see below) |
| Refuse Removal | R255/month (avg.) | +6.6% | ±R272/month |
| Property Rates | R0.0065/R value | +4.6% | R0.0068/R value |
💡 Note: The first R300,000 of a property’s value is exempt from rates.
💡 Understanding the Impact
🔌 Electricity
Whether you're billed post-paid or buy prepaid, your monthly electricity cost has gone up by nearly 13%. For prepaid users, this may feel even steeper once the fixed monthly service fee is added.
“My prepaid meter took R220 for the same units I paid R190 for in June!” – Local resident
🚿 Water & Sewerage
You still receive 6 kilolitres free if you qualify, but above that, each level of usage has risen by roughly 13.9%. Large households or homes with irrigation systems will feel the pinch.
🗑 Refuse Removal
The increase might seem minor, but over a year it adds up—especially for residents managing multiple bins or running small home businesses.
🏠 Property Rates
Though a 4.6% increase is smaller than others, it compounds over time. If your home is valued at R1.5 million, and your current rate was R7,800/year, expect it to rise by approximately R360/year.
📍 Why It Matters in Randpark Ridge
- Residents have faced dual billing periods in August, with some accounts split across June/July and July/August.
- Power cuts, load shedding, and water outages have increased—often with little communication.
- Streetlights off during outages are raising security concerns across the neighbourhood.
These rate hikes come at a time when many households are already stretched thin, and yet the City is counting on these funds to maintain ageing infrastructure and service delivery systems.
✔️ What You Can Do
✅ 1. Apply for Rebates
If you are a pensioner, a person with a disability, or fall within a low-income bracket, you may qualify for:
- Full or partial rates rebates
- Free basic services beyond 6 kL water or electricity
👉 Visit the City of Joburg Rates & Rebates page to apply.
🧠 2. Monitor & Save
- Keep a simple monthly spreadsheet of your household utility usage
- Switch to LED lighting, solar geysers, and other efficient systems
- Limit garden watering days (restrictions likely from spring)
📣 3. Speak Up
- Join the next Randridge Residents’ Association meeting
- Report issues via MyCoJ or call Joburg Connect: 0860 562 874
- Share your experiences—we’ll pass them on to councillors and officials
🗣 Final Word
Rising tariffs are a city-wide issue, but the effects are always local. Let’s stay informed, vigilant, and united in demanding value for the money we’re paying.
📬 Questions or concerns about your latest bill? Email us at office@rra.org.za or reach out via our website.