You pay your municipal account. Then you may pay for private security, solar, backup water or neighbourhood services too.

It's easy to see why this has been described as being “taxed twice”.

Technically, it isn't. A water tank or armed-response subscription isn't a second tax. But for households paying for their own backup services, the extra cost is very real.

What are we already paying?

Johannesburg's approved average tariff increases for 2026/27 include:

• Electricity: 8.63%
• Water: 12.5%
• Sanitation: 11%
• Refuse: 6.2%
• Property rates: 3.6%

These are average increases. Your actual bill will depend on factors such as consumption, tariff structure and property valuation.

Then there may be the costs outside your municipal account:

• Private security
• Solar, batteries or generators
• Water tanks, pumps or boreholes
• Residents' association contributions
• Private neighbourhood maintenance or security

Not all of these are necessarily caused by poor municipal services. Solar, for example, may be a long-term financial choice as well as backup power.

But together they can significantly increase the real cost of running a home.

What can you do?

You can't control municipal tariffs, but you can keep a closer eye on what you're paying.

• Check your meter readings and consumption. Investigate unexpected jumps.
• Add up the extras. Security, backup power, water and community contributions should form part of your household budget.
• Check for overlap. You may be paying for private services you no longer use or need.
• Look for rebates. Johannesburg offers property-rate rebates and other assistance to qualifying residents, including qualifying pensioners.
• Do the sums before buying backup. Solar, batteries and water systems can be useful, but include installation, finance and maintenance costs.

Having your own backup also doesn't generally mean you can stop paying applicable municipal rates or charges.

Could things improve?

There is some reason for cautious optimism.

Johannesburg's R97.1 billion 2026/27 budget puts renewed attention on infrastructure and service delivery, while the City is also participating in national reforms aimed at improving the performance and financial sustainability of essential municipal services.

That doesn't guarantee better services. What matters is whether residents eventually see the difference.

The Bottom Line

Joburg households have become good at finding ways to keep things running.

The important financial step is knowing what those solutions are actually costing you on top of your municipal bill.

Check your accounts, understand the extras and make use of any assistance you qualify for.

The real win will be when backup services become useful choices rather than expenses households feel they need.