Residents wise-up on power consumer rights

Alexandra youth and the vulnerable elderly were exposed to their consumer rights, responsible citizenship, and work and business opportunities at a recent workshop.

This was at the Altrec Sports Complex with multiple stakeholders, including the Joburg City Council’s Department of Social Development, Gauteng’s Consumer Affairs office and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). Some of the rights were on equality, protection, fair and responsible consumer marketing, privacy, fair value, good quality, safe products and information disclosure and accountability by suppliers. They were also informed that all microlenders including mashonisas (illegal money lenders) were required to be registered by law.

Nersa’s Mmoni Suza said it was important for residents to know their rights of access to energy, which wasn’t infinite and needed the public’s collaboration in conserving in their own interests and safety. This, after participants raised a concern about illegal electricity connections resulting in some getting a free supply, while others paid for it, and the need for better communication between electricity supply agencies, in particular, City Power, which the residents allege act corruptly when installing smart metres.

Mmoni urged residents to desist from connecting electricity illegally as doing so was a crime to be reported and the abusers would be disconnected from the grid and charged heavy fines. “As the electricity supplier’s regulator, Nersa’s interest is to ensure that all power users pay for the service and are not inconvenienced and denied quality services through theft. The quality and reliability of electricity supply services will only improve when everyone pays for their share of use and let the council connect smart meters at every home,” Mmoni said.

Read: The Consumer Protection Act is on your side

Salesh Mundlall of social development said they also exposed the participants to ways of reducing their high electricity bills by limiting the use of heavy electricity-dependent appliances, such as geysers and stoves. This, he said, was to their own advantage as it helped to stretch their financial resources – in particular grants – to last them for a longer period.

Mundlall added that through partnerships with private sector agencies, the department had placed 25 youths in various jobs and would be recruiting others when more opportunities arise. “This provides them long-term careers, income to pay for their electricity and, reduces their dependency on grants, girl trafficking, vulnerability to sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies and children for survival,” Mundlall said.

Details: Salesh Mundlall, 072 601 5326.

Read: Know your consumer rights

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