This department falls under the Directorate of Engineering Services. It is responsible for providing electricity supplies, streetlighting and associated services to the community of Buffalo City.

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If I require a new electricity connection, what must I do?
Electricity connections are divided into three broad categories:

1. State assisted housing schemes (ready board supplies): You must complete the application form (available from your nearest municipal enquiry office).
2. Small power users: Single-phase domestic and commercial supplies (up to and including 50kVA); and three-phase domestic, commercial or industrial supplies up to and including 50kVA (80 A): Get a form from the electricity services offices (see the list in the righthand column for the office nearest you). Make a payment at your nearest municipal enquiry office. As well as connection fees, you will be required to pay a deposit.
3. Large power users: Large power user connections at 400 volts (up to 800kVA) or at 11kV for larger capacity supplies. Get a form from the Electricity Services Offices (see the list in the righthand column for the office nearest you). Make a payment at your nearest municipal enquiry office. As well as connection fees, you will be required to pay a deposit.

Where must I locate my substation?
In cases where the load is such that the consumer requires a substation, this is to be located in a suitable position on the building line of the consumer's property, with provision made in the boundary wall or fence to permit access to vehicles to carry out maintenance.

Where must I build my meter cubicle?
Your meter cubicle must be located on the boundary of your premises at a suitable point that is as close as possible to the source of electricity supply.

The electricity supply to my premises is too big and I cannot afford the deposit. How can I make it smaller?
You may downsize your electrical connection subject to the following conditions:

• You must cover the cost of reducing the supply capacity.
• If you are not the owner of the property, you must obtain the consent of the owner.
• Should you or the owner wish to upgrade the supply at a future date, the full cost of the upgrade will be borne by you or the owner.

If I install a bulk supply for a town house development, can I install prepayment meters?
You may install prepayment meters subject to the following conditions:

• You will be required to bear the cost of these meters.
• Certain technical criteria will have to be met.
• Separate prepayment meters will only be installed at the discretion of the supply authority.

May I install a prepayment meter in my shop?
Yes, you may have a prepayment meter installed in your shop provided that:

• You pay the relevant fee.
• Any other shops within the complex or on that erf pay for the conversion to prepayment metering.
• All wiring and cabling is carried out to the supply authority's requirements by your contractor at your expense.
• No consumers on the premises has a supply that is greater than 50kVA (80 A per phase).

Can I change the overhead service connection to an underground connection?
Yes, you can. You will have to employ an electrical contractor and pay the conversion costs, as determined by the supply authority.

Can I upgrade my single-phase supply to three-phase with a pre-payment meter?
Yes, subject to a maximum supply capacity of 50kVA. You will have to employ an electrical contractor, and pay the conversion costs as determined by the supply authority.

How do I get my house rewired?
You must employ a private electrical contractor to rewire your house. You will have to cover the municipal costs, as determined by the supply authority.

If my house is rewired, can I keep my normal credit meter or must it be converted to a prepayment meter?
Any new domestic connection must have a prepayment meter installed. If your house is rewired you can keep the credit meter.

Can I have a temporary supply installed, and what are the costs and deposits that need to be paid?
In conjunction with your private electrical contractor, a temporary supply can be installed at the cost and deposit as determined by the supply authority.

How can I get my meter tested?
Contact the Electricity Services Department. You will be required to pay a meter test deposit in accordance with the published electricity tariff.

What must I do if I notice that electricity equipment (eg meter, broken pole) is broken or damaged?
Report the problem to the Electricity Services Department by contacting the all-hours control room at (043) 705-9200.

Can I have my meter repositioned?
Yes, at your cost and in conjunction with the supply authority.

Whom should I contact if I want a meter box or any other electrical apparatus moved?
Contact the Electricity Service's Planning Department at (043) 705-9607 to investigate the matter and obtain an estimate of costs.