Mr

Dear Amitra Lee The technical problem that occurred over the week-end affected numerous Municipalities and private Vendors who make use of Syntell as the main Vendor. The entire Stellenbosch Municipality was unable to Vend as an example.  Syntell's Servers crashed early on Saturday morning.  They worked around the clock to get the system up and running again. Unfortunately, they had to rebuild everything from scratch and had the Vending service back online early Sunday morning.  I am banking with one of the largest banks in SA; early this year there were numerous days when all their clients were affected due to system problems and could not use their bank accounts. We are working with technology/systems and I am sure that you do understand that systems do crash and do not give prior warning when this occurs. With regards to tariffs, PEC applies the most beneficial tariffs to all residents, at all times. The Eskom bulk tariffs need to be taken into consideration when one resides at an Eskom building with a bulk supply.  The tariff structure is totally different from those residents who receive their electricity directly from Eskom.  NERSA, who is the National Energy Regulator, has been promising for years to look at more beneficial bulk rates so that the Eskom prescribed residential tariffs could be implemented without a HOA/Body Corporate having to contribute towards a shortfall which in the end, becomes the owner’s problem. Note: Eskom’s tariffs increased by 18.65% in 2023 and 12.74% in 2024. This is an increase of more than 30% over the past two years alone.  All municipalities and Private Utilities are forced to apply the same percentage as implemented on bulk accounts.  We recommend that residents set aside a spare token for unforeseen emergencies, which are out of our control. Do not hesitate to contact me directly should you have further questions. 
Sarel WolmaransOperations manager – Prepaid