Beware meter readers
Do not let anyone in the property without proper identification of where they are from.
AT the recent Community Awareness Training hosted by ward 23 councillor, Sarah Wissler, domestic assistants gathered to be educated by City Power and Jo’burg Water employees. Wissler explained how the respective employees work and how to identify imposters. SAPS members were also present to update on crime in the area.
Here are some points from the meeting to help you out:
City Power – When do meter readings happen?
These happen from the middle of the month, so readings can be given to finance department for the billing run and these people have GREEN cards.
When do cut offs happen?
Cut-off teams have RED cards and are allowed to cut off power for non-payment of accounts, from Monday to Friday after month end. The teams are not allowed to cut any power to a home after 12:00 on a Friday afternoon. This is to give owners time to pay the account, so it’s re-connected before the weekend. The re-connections are done until 21:00 only.
Meter audits and replacement of meters:
Meter audit teams are contractors given work to do in the ward, by city power and they have PURPLE cards. Their job is to check that the meter is not by-passed and is billing correctly; that the meter numbers correspond with the meter you have; that the meter is functioning correctly and is not a stolen one; to move the meter from the home owners property to a central point on the street, for ease of access – and to replace the old mechanical meters with the new smart meter. These contactors will have a work sheet stating what they are doing at your home; and they must have a valid card with an expiry date on it.
Don’t let anyone on the property without it! If they intimidate you, you should press the panic button.
Jo’burg Water:
How do the contractors work?
When do meter readings happen?
These happen from the middle of the month, so readings can be given to the finance department for the billing run – these people have been provided with pictures of themselves, plus their employee number.
When do cut offs happen?
No water supply is allowed to be cut off completely. Jo’burg Water can however restrict your water flow to the minimum. The only time they will do a complete cut off by removal of the water main, is when you haven’t paid your bill for a few months or there’s an illegal connection.
Meter replacements:
Meters are only replaced when the old meter is faulty and no longer fixable.
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