Protect your appliances during power outages
JOBURG - The public is advised to switch off all appliances during power outages to ensure that these items are not at risk of being damaged when power is restored.
According to City Power, appliances were at risk of being damaged by a power surge – a sudden increase in the amount of power in the electrical system – as power was not always distributed equally when power is restored after an outage.
However, City Power did have a claim process in place for customers whose appliances were damaged due to power outages.
The customer should first report the incident to City Powers’ legal department and could either download a claim form from the entity’s website or visit a regional depot to collect the form.
Once a claim form outlining the appliances that have been damaged had been submitted, a technician would be sent to inspect the property and determine the cause of the damage.
However, the onus was on the claimant to follow-up with City Power to ensure that a technician is sent to do the inspection.
The technician will compile a technical report and should the municipal power utility be at fault, the items will be replaced.
However, the claimant is required to submit the proof of purchase for the damaged items to ensure that its cost corresponded with the amount stipulated in the claim.
The claims process can take about eight weeks.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that City Power owed Johannesburg residents millions of rand for damages to household appliances caused by power outages and related issues.
Over a period of nine months 449 claims were received by the utility for damages, amounting to nearly R20 million.
In a written response to questions regarding claims made to City Power, MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matshidiso Mfikoe said from 1 July 2013 to 31 March 2014 claims to the amount of R17 782 857 were made.
At the time, Mfikoe did not specify the number of claims that had been resolved.
