Lawaaikamp water network upgrades today resulted in a pipe failure on one of the main water supply pipelines. Water interuptions may be expected in the Lawaaikamp area.
Standby teams will work throughout the night to restore the water supply to the affected areas.
Two water trucks will roam Lawaaikamp until 10pm tonight and again from 5am tomorrow morning.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Haarlem: Routine Maintenance on storage reservoirs may result in some colouring of the water discharged into the water distribution and reticulation network. The maintenance and colour may last for two to three days. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Please note the Water is safe for domestic use.
Issued George Municipality
Due to some recovery in the generation capacity over the past 24 hours, Stage 4 loadshedding will continue until further notice. Eskom will provide an update as soon as any significant changes occur.
*George will be affected as follows:*
Monday 13/03/2023
16:00 – 18:30
Tuesday 14/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30
Wednesday 15/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30
Thursday 16/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30
Friday 17/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30
*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*
Monday 13/03/2023
19:00 – 21:30
Tuesday 14/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30
Wednesday 15/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30
Thursday 16/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30
Friday 17/03/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30
*SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!*
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.
If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.
*Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding*
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).
The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.
*Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding*
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
*Reporting power outages*
Please do not phone the After-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
The George Municipality embarked on process to phase in a new electricity tariff structure. This process started on 1 July last year, and is in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved cost of supply study for George as well as the municipal Electricity Pricing Policy. The municipality has been effecting these changes in a variety of ways so as to limit the impact on our consumers as far as possible.
PHASE ONE ROLLOUT – has included to date:
Thousands of Consumers have had the Capacity (AMPS) addressed through either their own selection OR by the municipal capacity selection. George Municipality has already successfully implemented power limit adjustments on thousands of it’s prepaid meter base, through the work done by field staff following the applications received from consumers for a specific capacity or by the municipality making the decision for Phase 1 power limit based on historic consumption. The field teams will continue to go out weekly to do Amperage limit roll-out and site inspections on prepaid meters.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Consumers who have already made their selection will NOT be affected by Phase 2 of the Power Limit Adjustment Project.
What about Consumers who have not yet made a selection?
The consumers who have not made a selection yet or who are not happy with the selection made by the municipality based on historical consumption, are encouraged to do so speedily on the details shared below. The first and most preferred option is always for our consumer to select the capacity their require. Consumers are allowed one opportunity per financial year to make such a change in capacity.
PHASE TWO ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT will take place as follows:
From the 1st April 2023, the municipality will Apply the following Capacity Selection based on the historic consumption:
Link to Application Form to Select Capacity
Link to Bulk Demand Application Form
Link to Excel Calculator – establish how many units you will receive for cash value and do the comparisons with selection of either 30/40/50 or 60 Amps
https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Elec-Tariff-Easy-Customer-test.xlsx
Note: The excel spreadsheet must be downloaded from the link and enabled for editing. It will not work on cellphones that do not have Excel Viewer (XLXS Reader)
In preparation for the roll-out of the GO GEORGE bus service to Thembalethu, test drives through the area are currently taking place, supported and monitored by local law enforcement agencies, including the SA Police Service and the traffic department.
During these drives, undertaken in different sizes of GO GEORGE buses, the real time it takes to complete the various proposed routes by bus will be established and checked against the proposed timetables.
GO GEORGE-TOETSRITTE DEUR THEMBALETHU
Toetsritte ter voorbereiding van die uitrol van die GO GEORGE-busdiens na Thembalethu vind tans in die gebied plaas, ondersteun en gemonitor deur plaaslike wetstoepassingsagentskappe, insluitend die SA Polisiediens en die verkeersdepartement.
Tydens hierdie ritte wat in verskillende groottes GO GEORGE-busse onderneem word, sal die werklike tyd wat dit neem om die verskillende voorgestelde roetes per bus te voltooi, vasgestel en aan die hand van die voorgestelde roosters nagegaan word.
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 78,07
Rainfall for last 7 days: 55.4 mm
(Measured up to and including 6 March 2023)
The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 76,31
Rainfall for last 7 days: 23mm (Measured up to and including 27 February 2023)
The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
Sunday, 26 February 2023: Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until 16:00 on Monday afternoon, whereafter Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 – 05:00 on Tuesday morning. Loadshedding will then be reduced to Stage 3 at 05:00 – 16:00 on both Tuesday and Wednesday, while Stage 4 will be implemented during 16:00 – 05:00 on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
George will be affected as follows:
Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 05:00 **
18:00 – 20:30
Wednesday 01/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 15:30
22:00 – 00:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 26/02/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30
Wednesday 01/03/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30
SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.
If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.
Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).
The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.
Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 09:00 on Sunday morning – until further notice.
*George will be affected as follows:*
Sunday 26/02/2023
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*
Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.
If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.
Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).
The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.
Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Sunday morning- until further notice.
George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 26/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 22:30 **
Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 06:30 **
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Saturday 25/02/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 01:30 **
Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 09:30 **
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30
SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.
If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.
Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).
The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.
Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
OVERDUE DEBT WILL BE RECOVERED THROUGH PREPAID METER SYSTEM
Residents are advised to take note that any overdue debts owing to the municipality, will be recovered through the prepaid electricity meter system, as per the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy. This means that if you have not paid your account in full of the municipality, when you purchase prepaid electrical units from a vendor, 50% of your overdue debt will be paid off by your purchase, and the remaining amount will reflect as pre-paid electricity units.
HOW TO CHECK WHAT YOUR OVERDUE DEBT IS?
If you are not sure what your overdue debt is, please phone in to 044 801 9009/4/17 or 044 801 9135 or 044 801 9518. Provide your GRG account number and contact details (email address, telephone number) with all enquiries. A duplicate statement can also be requested at accounts@george.gov.za. Payment is due by the 15th of the following month.
HOW TO PAY YOUR ACCOUNT
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), Unipay, by clicking on the QR code on your statement, Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave, SPAR and Pep. Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.
Bank details for electronic payment:
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment is to be sent to payments@george.gov.za
**********************************************
AGTERSTALLIGE SKULD SAL DEUR VOORAFBETAALDE METER STELSEL VERHAAL WORD
Inwoners word aangeraai om kennis te neem dat enige agterstallige skuld wat aan die munisipaliteit verskuldig is, deur die voorafbetaalde elektrisiteitsmeterstelsel verhaal sal word, ooreenkomstig die Kredietbeheer- en Skuldinvorderingsbeleid. Dit beteken dat indien u nie u rekening ten volle aan die munisipaliteit betaal het nie, wanneer u voorafbetaalde elektriese eenhede van ‘n verkoper koop, 50% van hierdie bedrag aan u agterstallige skuld afbetaal sal word, en die oorblywende bedrag sal as vooruitbetaalde elektrisiteit eenhede weerspieël word.
HOE OM UIT TE VIND WAT U AGTERSTALLIGE SKULD BELOOP?
Indien u nie seker is wat u agterstallige skuld is nie, bel asseblief 044 801 9009/4/17 of 044 801 9135 of 044 801 9518. Verskaf jou GRG-rekeningnommer en kontakbesonderhede (e-posadres, telefoonnommer) met alle navrae. ’n Duplikaatstaat kan ook aangevra word by accounts@george.gov.za Betalings is teen die 15de van die volgende maand betaalbaar.
HOE OM JOU REKENING TE BETAAL
Rekeninge kan betaal word deur elektroniese oorplasing (EFT – sien besonderhede hieronder), Unipay, deur op die QR-kode op jou staat, Pick ’n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave, SPAR en Pep te klik. Neem asseblief jou mees onlangse beskikbare rekeningstaat saam met jou sodat die winkel toegang kan kry tot die strepieskode wat jou betaling aan jou GRG-rekeningnommer koppel.
Bankbesonderhede vir elektroniese betaling:
Eerste Nasionale Bank (ENB)
Rekeningtipe: Openbare Sektor Tjekrekening
Rekeningnaam: George Munisipaliteit
Rekeningnommer: 62869623150
Takkode: 210554
Swift-kode: FIRNZAJJ
Verwysing: jou GRG rekeningnommer
Bewys van betaling moet gestuur word aan payments@george.gov.za
The General Valuation Roll is a document containing the municipal valuations of all the registered properties within the boundaries of the Greater George municipal area and is used to calculate the rates that property owners are required to pay. You are able to object to your property valuation during the objection period.
The General Valuation Roll gives the market value of a property on a certain date. It applies to residential, agricultural and commercial properties and is used to calculate the monthly rates that property owners are required to pay for services such as street lighting, parks, libraries, fire services, etc.
The valuation of an estimated 54 000 properties in the greater George area forms part of the General Valuation process of the George Municipality. The George Municipality uses a service provider, DDP Valuers (Pty) Ltd that uses an array of information-gathering methods including analyzing aerial photographs, site visits and neighborhood drive-throughs.
The process to compile the general valuation roll, is completed. The final General Valuation Roll will be published for comment from 9 February 2023 to 31 March 2023. At the same time, stakeholders will be given the opportunity to lodge objections, if deemed necessary. The objection process is followed by a valuation appeal process. The General Valuation Roll will be implemented on 1 July 2023.
Ratepayers must verify their valuations, as it would affect the rates they pay on their own properties as well as the overall rate calculations for the city. It is a great opportunity for citizens to engage with the Municipality to ensure that their properties are correctly valued.
Please follow this link to access the valuation documentation on our website https://www.george.gov.za/finance-cat/financial-reports-cat/valuation-documents/
For more information contact: Valuations on 044 801 9111 or valuations@george.gov.za or visit www.george.gov.za
PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING: TARIEWE EN DIENSTE: WAARDASIEROL
Die Algemene Waardasierol is ‘n dokument wat die munisipale waardasies van al die geregistreerde eiendomme binne die grense van die Groter George munisipale gebied bevat en word gebruik om die tariewe wat eiendomseienaars moet betaal te bereken. U kan gedurende die beswaarperiode beswaar maak teen u eiendomswaardasie.
Die Algemenie van ‘n geraamde 54 000 eiendomme in die groter George-gebied vorm deel van die Algemene Waardasieproses van die George Munisipaliteit. Die George Munisipaliteit gebruik ‘n diensverskaffer, DDP Valuers (Edms) Bpk. wat ‘n verskeidenheid inligting-insamelingsmetodes gebruik, insluitend die ontleding van lugfoto’s, terreinbesoeke en deurrye in die buurt. Die proses om die algemene waardasierol saam te stel, is voltooi.
Die finale Algemene Waardasierol sal vir kommentaar gepubliseer word vanaf 9 Februarie 2023 tot 31 Maart 2023. Terselfdertyd sal belastingbetalers die geleentheid gebied word om besware aan te teken, indien nodig geag. Die beswaarproses word gevolg deur ‘n appèlproses vir waardasie. Die Algemene Waardasierol sal op 1 Julie 2023 geïmplementeer word.
Belastingbetalers moet hul waardasies verifieer, aangesien dit die tariewe wat hulle op hul eie eiendomme betaal, sowel as die algehele tariefberekeninge vir die stad sal beïnvloed. Dit is ‘n wonderlike geleentheid vir burgers om met die Munisipaliteit te skakel om te verseker dat hul eiendomme korrek gewaardeer word.
Volg hierdie skakel vir toegang tot die waardasiedokumentasie op ons webwerf https://www.george.gov.za/finance-cat/financial-reports-cat/valuation-documents/
Vir meer inligting kontak: Waardasies by 044 801 9111 of valuations@george.gov.za of besoek www.george.gov.za
George Municipality invites you to join the livestream of the Ordinary Council Meeting for today 23 February @ 10am
Please click on this link to access the live stream via our You Tube Account
https://www.youtube.com/@georgemunicipalofficialy…/streams
The 450mm GRP water line that provides Blanco with water has burst. Adjustments have been made on the network to redirect water to the area.
Water Trucks are on standby should any areas not have water.
Please report to 044 801 9262 or 801 9266 if you do not have any water.
Low water pressure can be expected with the network adjustments.
ETR is to be established and updates will be provided.
Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for George:
Tuesday 21/02/2023
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 22/02/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 00:30 **
Thursday 23/02/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 00:30 **
Friday 24/02/2023
04:00 – 08:30 **
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30
Saturday 25/02/2023
02:00 – 06:30 **
10:00 – 14:30 **
18:00 – 20:30
Sunday 26/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 14:30 **
18:00 – 22:30 **
Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for Uniondale:
Tuesday 21/02/2023
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30
Wednesday 22/02/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30 **
Thursday 23/02/2023
01:00 – 03:30 **
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30 **
Friday 24/02/2023
01:00 – 03:30 **
07:00 – 11:30 **
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Saturday 25/02/2023
05:00 – 09:30 **
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 23:30
Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 01:30 **
URGENT! URGENT!
PLEASE TAKE NOTE – Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4 hour slot). Please do not switch on all of your appliances as soon as power returns. This causes massive surges which can means areas can trip further delaying your return of power. Eskom has requested Municipality’s to switch on in sections due to high usage when power returns. This will greatly delay the switching on process.
All telephone landlines for the George Fire Brigade are currently down due to mechanical issues with the generator. Please use the following Cellphone Numbers for Emergencies until further notice.Fire Control 074 621 8737 Other Emergencies 074 423 8635
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 71,24
Rainfall for last 7 days: 39.1mm(Measured up to and including 20 February 2023)
The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk acknowledges the challenges being faced by the Business and Agricultural Sectors currently with regard to the energy crisis. “We are fully aware that numerous business operations in and around George require consistency in the provision of electricity during certain hours of the day or on a 24-hour basis. These needs have shaped the municipal philosophy to alleviate Stage 1 (up to 2 hours per day) and Stage 2 (up to 4 hours per day) of loadshedding as soon as possible to provide greater security of supply for these sectors.
George Municipality agrees that the current loadshedding is nothing short of a crisis, but reminds residents that the municipality is not responsible for loadshedding and has no option but to implement as received. The municipality’s ability to generate power for use of our residents is limited but we are actively working on reducing our daily energy requirements from ESKOM.
George uses at peak times up to 85MVA per day. So, if the municipality can reduce our own consumption of energy by 10% (between 8MW and 10MW) continuously, we should be able to apply to EKSOM to relieve us of Stage 1 and 2 Loadshedding. This will also assist us in achieving our goal of reducing internal electricity costs and increasing sustainability. The priority goal will be that the city and its residents will then be freed of at least one stage , that is two hours, of loadshedding. This is however not a quick fix, and currently the plan is that for the calendar year 2023., the municipality will add 3MW of own energy and before December 2024 another 9MW should be commissioned into the system.
Director for Electro-technical Services, Bongani Mandla explains that George Municipality is implementing a three-pronged operational approach to significantly reduce our reliance on energy supply from Eskom.
“This approach has three focus areas; one being Energy Efficiency, another Own-Build Programme, and finally the procurement of energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The highly unreliable supply of energy, coupled with the ever-increasing tariffs and the high cost of diesel has forced George Municipality to implement some of its plans earlier than initially intended. The expediting of the plans is driven by the city’s urgent need to relieve its residents from Stage 2 loadshedding in the next 18 to 24 months and subsequently off Stage 4 loadshedding within 36 months.
In order to achieve this much needed reduction of loadshedding, the city has already started its Own-Build programme, which is intended to deliver around 30MW of energy into the grid over the next 36 months, subject to feasibility studies and environmental approval. The city is working hard to ensure that at least 10MW is delivered by this programme within the next 18 months, as most of the smaller projects have passed the basic environmental assessment, whilst the 9MW PV Solar Plant is nearing the final stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment approval process.
George issued a Request for Proposal from IPPs and received overwhelming support in terms of potential technologies available, as well as options available to supply between 30 and 40MW. A phased approach of IPP procurement will be followed to ensure that the city is able to secure between 30 to 40 MW from this programme within the next 36 months. Once both IPP procurement and Own-Build delivers energy to the grid, the reliance of the city on the Eskom network would be significantly reduced. The implementation of our ongoing energy efficiency projects will further reduce this reliance.”
What has George implemented to assist residents during loadshedding
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units at a cost of approximately R3.6 million have been installed at 56 of the main traffic intersections. These units, which are eco-friendly and energy-saving, automatically kick in and operate the traffic lights should the electricity supply be interrupted for any reason for at least 2- 4 hours, before the battery needs recharging. This means that traffic intersections in George are free from Eskom’s loadshedding and unplanned power outages for the durability of the batteries, thereby allowing seamless traffic flow.
George Municipality has also out of necessity, installed large generators at a number of our pump stations, 30 at sewer pump stations and 5 at various Water Treatment Works, in order to keep water flowing and sewerage pumpstations operational during loadshedding. Our Civil Engineering Services department is in the process of a water and sewer pump station audit which will confirm any future requirements.
What has George already implemented already to reduce own energy consumption
The municipality commissioned a PV Plant as a pilot project for the main municipal building in September 2021. The 300kWp (kilowatt peak) solar plant at the Civic Centre parking lot helps keep systems going during loadshedding and produces on average 41 500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy a month which supplies the Civic Centre building. The excess flows into the grid and supplies the neighbouring houses, residents, and businesses. The total production is an average of 500 000kWh of energy per year.
A battery energy storage system(BESS) will be installed by the end of July 2023 for the Civic Centre, which will allow for the plant to continue to generate energy even during loadshedding and for the storage system to support the supply to the building when the Eskom network is not available. All of the George municipal buildings have had energy efficient lights installed, as well as over 111 energy efficient air conditioners. A number of buildings are scheduled for rooftop PV solar in the 2023/24 financial year, and the preparatory work and studies are underway to have all of our municipal buildings self-sufficient by December 2026.
Over the past few years, a total of 5583 streetlights (Compact Fluorescent Lamps, High Pressure Sodium and Mercury Vapour) have been replaced by light-emitting diodes (LED)at a cost of R14 501 513 (Municipal and EEDSM Funding). This phased-in approach will continue until we have replaced or retrofitted all streetlights to LED in the upcoming financial years. Not only do the LEDs reduce the amount of energy used, but they also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. The funding for this project is mostly sourced from the Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management programme (EEDSM) managed by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Battery Energy Storage to counter high cost of running generators
George Municipality has out of necessity installed large generators at 30 Sewer Pump Stations and 5 at Water Treatment Works at a cost of approximately R52 million, in order to keep water flowing and sewerage pumpstations operational during loadshedding. A further 8 are in process of being procured at a cost of approximately R27 million rand and which includes the two 1250kVa for the Garden Route Dam. The costs of running these generators are exorbitant and currently totals approximately R148 000 per day in fuel alone at Stage 4, with the fuel costs even higher when Stage 5 and 6 are implemented.
Battery energy storage is planned for all the Water and Waste-Water Treatment Plants as well as the Sewer Pump stations in order to reduce the diesel costs. The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) deployment is being fast-tracked to save costs over the long run. The intention is to deploy BESS of more than 100MWh for the city using a phased-in approach. The city is currently in the process of feasibility studies for the BESS deployment, to assess the technical, environmental, economic and practical feasibility for installation and integration into the distribution network. These studies will further inform the city on the deployment strategy to undertake as it strives to reduce reliance from Eskom.
What projects are underway or due to start this year and are funded by municipal own funds
Four PV Solar Projects are due to start this year and on completion will power loads with energy generated from a clean and renewable source. These projects will be funded from various streams, including municipal own funding, external loans as well as grant funding where applicable.
When do you need an EIA to proceed with a renewable energy project?
In terms of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) guideline for Renewable Energy Projects, the development of facilities or infrastructure for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource which has an electricity output of more than 1 megawatts (>1MW); and/or if the output is less than 1 megawatts but the total extent of the facility covers an area in excess of 1 hectare, require an EIA to proceed. This excludes where the development of the facilities or infrastructure is for photovoltaic installations and occurs within an urban area. The triggers for the EIA include land degradation, habitat loss, water use, hazardous materials, noise, visual issues, electromagnetics and aircraft interference.
What is the status of those George projects that still require EIAs?
The 9 MW PV Solar Plant project requires additional Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) approval. The funding is part of the three-year Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework budget. Specialist reports have been prepared and the final submission for the EIA will be submitted at the end of March 2023. A Public Participation process will be required and concurrently the tender process which means that construction should start in 2024 should all approvals be received.
Looking ahead and the funding required
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk noted that Eskom’s inability to ensure reliability in electricity supply has necessitated the development of a municipal strategy to secure alternative renewable energy for George as rapidly as possible. “Our approach has been to urgently address consistent electricity provision to our own infrastructure while at the same time providing relief for key stakeholders in the economy. Energy therefore receives constant attention as we continue in our quest to attract investment and employment into our economy. We also welcome engagements to discuss the challenges and potential solutions from IPPs and others.”
The city has embarked on various investigations which includes the building of a Solar PV Plant capable of generating 30 MW. The project is amongst those which are undergoing feasibility studies in order to identify and establish the practicality, as well as find innovative means of circumventing the space requirements. This utility scale project coupled with a Utility Scale BESS will cost in the region of R1,250 billion. The renewable projects Own-Build programme will cost the city around R2 billion, and George Municipality is continuously engaging various funding institutions both nationwide and internationally to source external funding to assist with covering the bulk of these costs.
Where does George stand on paying cash for power fed back into local grid?
George Municipality has a Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) Feed-in tariff in place which, where the network allows, the customer can be credited for the energy that is fed back to the grid, if they are a NET Consumer. In other words, if they do not feedback more than their total usage. In terms of the George Municipal policy the consumers bill will be credited with the amount of Feed-in energy as per the Tariff list. This will be done with the provision that the amount of credit may not exceed the total Rand value of energy purchased from the Council in the financial year.
There are a number of customers who are already on the correct tariff to feed-in to the Municipal grid, and they are getting 90% of the Eskom cost as a credit against their bill. This is one of the best feed-in tariffs nationally and is available for both Industrial, Commercial and Residential Consumers. If a customer has installed a much larger system and wants to feed power back to the municipality beyond their total energy requirements, a Municipal procurement process is required and this is where the City of Cape Town (CoCT) has recently received approval for a deviation process which allows it to start paying cash back for power fed into the local electricity grid.
The CoCT was granted an exemption from National Treasury from having to undertake a competitive bidding process, as current legislation does not allow for a city to procure energy without following a competitive bidding process. George Municipality will need to have a similar approved deviation in place and the Electro-technical department is reviewing how this will be practically implemented in George if we were to follow the same approach as CoCT, given the diverse distribution network differences.
George Municipality also has a Wheeling Policy and Process in place, which allows for wheel of power using the municipal grid. Customers who wish to invest in alternative energy, should ensure that the system complies with the applicable regulations and is approved by the Municipality prior to commissioning.
#gettoknowgeorge
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GEORGE THIS FEBRUARY
Find all the tourism information you need in the greater George area, spanning from hamlets like Herolds Bay to Haarlem to Hoekwil, at www.visitgeorge.co.za – the official tourism destination website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coming up over the next month you can look forward to exciting rugby matches, lekker live music and theatre shows, running and golfing for a cause.
SPORTS EVENTS
Rugby at Outeniqua Park Stadium, George:
044 050 0660 | www.swdarende.co.za | veda@swdeagles.co.za
060 479 7095 | deslie@vwykinc.co.za | Tickets are R10 – R30
060 479 7095 | deslie@vwykinc.co.za | Tickets are R10 – R30
Golf Days
17 February: Hope Church Night Run
Garden Route Botanical Garden, George | 062 214 2814 | www.hopechurch.org.za | hello@hopechurch.org.za
The Dotsure George Arts Theatre is housed in an elegant, heritage building dating back to 1905. The building once was home to a girl’s school, a bioscope and in 1969 the theatre opened its doors. The old film reel projector still lives in the theatre foyer to this day.
MUSIC AND SHOWS
24 February: Bottomless Coffee Band
Down to Earth, Herolds Bay Resort, Herolds Bay | 044 851 0113 | www.heroldsbayresort.co.za | admin@heroldsbayresort.co.za
25 February: The Social Launch
Pollocks at Wilderness| 044 877 0481 | www.facebook.com/pollocksatwilderness
Various: Dotsure Insurance George Arts Theatre, George
044 873 3938 | www.georgeartstheatre.co.za | enquiries@georgeartstheatre.co.za
The Outeniqua Family Market is a must-do for anyone living in or visiting George. Packed with delicious food stalls and a large children’s play area, a morning at the market will be a Saturday well spent.
REGULAR MARKETS
Outeniqua Family Market – Every Saturday 08:00-14:00
N2, George | 082 465 2952 | outeniquafamilymarket.co.za | info@outeniquafamilymarket.co.za
Sunday Funday Market – Every Sunday 10:00-15:00
Milkwood Village, Wilderness | 061 547 0625 | milkwoodvillage.co.za milkwoodmanagement@gmail.com
Hinenni Community Market – Every Wednesday 08:30-15:00
63Bo-Langvlei Road, Rondevlei, Wilderness | 082 788 8500 | facebook.com/ HinenniFS
HIDDEN GEMS ‘COFFEE WITH’
Have you visited these interesting hidden gems yet? Enjoy your coffee with…
Over the Mountain Guest Farm in Herold on the Montagu Pass
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Share your awesome experiences with us on your socials!
#visitgeorge #visitwilderness #visituniondale
VISIT YOUR LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE
Want to know more about what you can see, do, eat and where you can stay?
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height: 66,97
Rainfall for last 7 days: 27.1mm (Measured up to and including 13 February 2023)
The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
