This forms part of a programme by the municipal entity to read meters and audit meter readings of businesses and residences in Joburg.
Recently, City Power has come under fire from residents and businesses following several problems experienced with the entity’s smart meters including inflated bills based on estimations, new meters not being put on to the system when the old ones were removed, resulting in no readings being taken. Also there has been bad cellphone reception in many areas resulting in the remote readings not being sent, and the old meters were not removed from the system, resulting in people being billed on both old and new readings.
However, the reading of electricity meters was a general practice required in line with the requirements and stipulations of city council bylaws.
“We therefore request our customers to allow our meter readers to enter their properties to do this task,” said City Power spokesperson Sol Masolo.
City Power meter readers can be identified by their City Power branded uniforms and access cards, which bear the picture of the individual carrying the card, the name and surname of the employee, and the employee’s staff number.
The anonymous tip off number 080 000 2587 as well as the Security Risk Management control room numbers, which are 011 490 7900/11 or 011 490 7553 should appear on the back of the card.
City Power urged both business and domestic customers not to allow individuals who did not have the stated identification access to their properties.
Those who were uncertain about the individuals requesting entry onto their properties were advised to call the City Power Risk Control Numbers 011 490 7900/11 or 011 490 7553 or the police.
Queries and appointments for meter readings could be made by calling City Power’s Customer Contact Centre on 011 490 7484.
