Expect higher water bills
JOBURG – The estimated consumption has been based on more days than the normal billing cycle of 30 days.
Residents can expect to get increased water bills as Johannesburg Water’s (JW) migration from contracted meter reading to in-house meter reading gets underway.
“The estimated consumption has been based on more days than the normal billing cycle of 30 days. Residents are, however, assured that the billing system will automatically adjust billing once an actual reading is taken,” the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Anthony Still, said in a press statement on 10 October.
“The situation will soon be normalised and it is expected that the estimated reading percentage will decrease significantly from the next billing cycle,” he said.
Still advised residents with queries on their accounts to contact any of the City of Johannesburg’s walk-in centres. “To avoid credit control action or disconnection, it is advisable to continue to pay an average amount while the query is being resolved,” he said.
The newly-elected MMC added that those with outstanding accounts should immediately settle it or approach the City to make payment arrangements as soon as they receive a pre-termination notice. This to avoid the inconvenience associated with disconnections.
Still said consumers can also read their own meters as a check and send their readings and account number to meterreading@jwater.co.za.
“This must be done on the day that meters are read in their suburb. The appropriate day can be found by ascertaining the billing ‘Portion’ on the front page of the bill – this will indicate a letter from A to U. The meter reading schedule corresponding to these ‘Portions’ is available on our website,” he said.
The migration has seen an increase in the number of customers billed on estimated consumption and the process has also involved the recruitment and training of meter reading staff.
Meter readers can be identified by their Joburg Water-branded blue overalls or bright yellow bibs and a staff ID. If you are in doubt, you can verify this on www.johannesburgwater.co.za where their photos and names are clearly listed.
