Setup & Pay Utilities In South Africa
1.
Electricity
Step 1: Understand the type of electricity supply
Prepaid meter: You buy electricity units (kWh) upfront. Once units run out, power goes off until you recharge.
Postpaid (conventional) meter: The municipality sends you a monthly bill for electricity used.
Step 2: Setting up electricity in your name
If renting:
Ask the landlord or agent if the electricity account is already set up.
In most rentals, you will use a prepaid meter, and the account stays in the landlord’s name. You just recharge.
If buying a house:
Apply at your local municipality or Eskom (if your area falls under Eskom supply).
Provide:
Proof of ID.
Proof of residence (lease agreement or title deed).
Deposit (varies by municipality).
Step 3: Paying for electricity
Prepaid:
Buy tokens at supermarkets, petrol stations, ATMs, or via banking apps.
Enter the token number into your meter.
Postpaid:
Receive a monthly bill.
Pay via EasyPay outlets, bank transfers, municipal offices, or debit order.
Tip: Monitor your usage. Appliances like heaters and geysers use a lot of electricity.
2.
Water
Step 1: Understand water billing
Water is usually supplied by the municipality.
Charges include water usage and sanitation (sewerage).
Some complexes include water in monthly levies, so check first.
Step 2: Setting up water in your name
If renting:
Water is often billed to the landlord or body corporate.
Your landlord may include water in rent or charge you separately.
If buying:
Go to your local municipality to open a water account.
Documents needed:
ID.
Proof of residence (title deed or lease).
Deposit (varies by area).
Step 3: Paying for water
You will receive a municipal bill each month.
Payment methods:
Online banking.
Debit order.
Supermarkets (EasyPay, Pay@).
Municipal pay points.
Tip: Track water leaks (like dripping taps or running toilets) to avoid high bills.
3.
Wi-Fi (Internet)
Step 1: Check what options are available in your area
Common internet types:
Fibre: Fastest, but only available in some areas.
ADSL: Older, slower, and being phased out.
LTE / Mobile Data: Uses a SIM card and router. Flexible but can be expensive.
5G: High speed, but only in certain urban areas.
Step 2: Choose a service provider
Popular internet service providers (ISPs) in South Africa include:
Telkom
Afrihost
Vox
Vumatel (fibre network, sold via ISPs)
Rain (LTE and 5G)
MTN, Vodacom, Cell C (mobile data)
Step 3: Setting up Wi-Fi
Check coverage on the provider’s website.
Apply online or in-store. Provide:
ID.
Proof of residence.
Bank details (for debit order).
Installation:
Fibre: A technician installs a fibre line and router. This may take 1–4 weeks.
LTE/5G: Usually plug-and-play, delivered with a router and SIM card.
Step 4: Paying for Wi-Fi
Monthly subscription via debit order or EFT.
Data top-ups if you use a capped package.
Tip: Always check if the package is uncapped (no data limits) or capped (limited monthly data).
4.
Budgeting for Utilities
When planning monthly expenses, include:
Electricity: R500 – R1,500 depending on household size and appliances.
Water: R300 – R800 depending on usage and area.
Wi-Fi: R500 – R1,200 depending on speed and provider.