THE eThekwini Municipality has urged its customers to check their utility bills on a monthly basis.
Peet du Plessis, Head of Revenue Management said that the City processes a large number of bills per month and if customers receive an unusually high bill, they should come forward.
“Customers must check the reading on the actual meter against the reading on the bill or check the estimated charges and consumption according to the previous bill.”
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“The few that have deemed to be inaccurate could be as a result of meter reading challenges and in some instances, human error during the process of capturing readings,” he added.
A number of factors determine the final amount charged according to the utility bill.
These include property value, water and electricity meter readings and the various tariffs charged. If the water consumption amount is exorbitant, customers can check if there is a possible water leak.
The City has also amended the rates rebate criteria for pensioners.
Previously, the rates rebate was provided to pensioners whose property value did not exceed R3-million. It has now been revised and is capped at R2-million. The revised rebate is applicable as of 01 July 2017.
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First time rebate applicants can download a rates rebate form online on www.durban.gov.za. Pensioners that already receive a rebate need to submit a renewal form by 30 April each year.
Customers are also advised that due to the changes in property values following the recent valuation phase, their bills may be affected by the fluctuation in property value. Customers can email revline@durban.gov.za or call 031 3245000 if they believe that their bill is incorrect. Electricity meter readings can be sent to custocare@elec.durban.gov.za, call 080 1313 111 or SMS 083 7000 819.
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