1. What is the County Cost Per kWh Calculator?

The County Cost Per kWh Calculator estimates electricity costs in South Africa based on the current Eskom rate. It provides a simple way to determine the cost per kilowatt-hour for budgeting and financial planning purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following simple equation:

Where:

• \( Cost_{kWh} \) — Cost per kilowatt-hour (ZAR/kWh)
• \( \text{Eskom Rate} \) — Current electricity rate from Eskom (ZAR/kWh)

Explanation: The calculator directly uses the Eskom rate as the cost per kWh since this is the base rate before any municipal or county markups.

3. Importance of Electricity Cost Calculation

Details: Understanding electricity costs is crucial for household budgeting, business planning, and energy efficiency assessments in South Africa where electricity prices can be volatile.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current Eskom rate in ZAR/kWh. The value must be greater than zero. The result will show the base cost per kWh without any additional municipal charges.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find the current Eskom rate?
A: The current Eskom rates are published on Eskom's official website or through municipal electricity departments.

Q2: Does this include municipal markups?
A: No, this calculates only the base Eskom rate. Municipalities typically add their own surcharges.

Q3: How often do Eskom rates change?
A: Eskom rates typically change annually after approval by NERSA, though special increases may occur.

Q4: Are there different rates for different usage tiers?
A: Yes, South Africa uses an inclining block tariff system where rates increase with higher consumption.

Q5: Can this be used for business electricity costs?
A: For basic estimates yes, but businesses should consult their specific tariff schedules as commercial rates differ.