Pensioner claims to be paying too much

A RESIDENT (78) staying in Yew Street, in Brackendowns, is very frustrated after she changed to a prepaid electricity meter.

She has been paying R2 700 per month for 1 545.9 units.

But since the death of her husband, she has been the only one living in the house.

“I have endeavoured to limit my electricity usage by switching off lights, using the microwave instead of the stove, only using cold water to do my washing and have not used my electric blanket or a heater this winter. “With the impending increase from Eskom, I am at my wits’ end for a solution,” said the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“I am positive that I am presently being charged at business rates instead of the domestic tariff. I have investigated fully on the internet and, according to City Power rates (Johannesburg municipality), this appears to be the case.

“I contacted Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) a few years ago expressing my disbelief at the excessive costs involved.

“I have tried to gain some clarity regarding this matter, but all the numbers I was furnished with were never answered. All except one, which was answered by a female who could not or would not assist.

“I have phoned six different numbers of EMM which were never answered,” the woman said.

The RECORD asked for comment from EMM and received the following statement from Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson and senior media manager:

“The customer is on tariff B – residential and not on the business option as claimed. The City of Ekurhuleni tariffs are available on the internet on www.ekurhuleni.gov.za and must not be confused with City Power or Eskom tariffs.

“The increase for the 2017/18 financial year are Nersa approved and were implemented on July 1, 2017. The customer advisors will contact the customer to set up a meeting to investigate the high consumption complaint.”

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