The check-up on electricity meters across the City of Johannesburg is moving to regions E, G, and C, which is Sandton, Soweto and Roodepoort respectively after an initial run in Randburg, Midrand and the inner city.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the approach was not to instal meters in all properties but to target customers who have not been granting City Power officials access to check if meters are faulty, displaced, unaccounted, bypassed, illegally connected, old or worn out.
“The aim of the campaign is to bill customers correctly for the correct consumption. The initiative attests to a commitment by City Power to do away with estimates as one of the solutions to billing problems,” he said.
If City power officials are not able to gain access, a notice is left.
“A request is also made to the resident to contact City Power on the number written on the flyer to make arrangements or set up an appointment most suitable for them to have a meter installed on their premises,” Mangena said.
City Power is to benefit by maximising revenue collection, addressing billing queries, eliminating illegal connections and enable the tracking of meters from stores to sites.
“Customers will also be able to manage their own consumption.”
Make sure it’s a City Power employee:
The utility also warned residents not to allow any person, technician or contractor onto their property without first verifying their credentials.
City Power ID cards can be verified with City Power’s security risk control unit on 011 490 7911, 011 490 7553, 011 490 7900 or by contacting the metering call centre at 011 490 7484.
“City Power employees and contractors will have a City Power ID card. The card will be colour coded for specific sections within City Power. The card will display a photo of the specific employee or contractor carrying a card, their name, identification number and expiry date. A hologram of a firefly appears on the card as well.”
If a resident is not at home when contractors or employees seek access for meter installation, they can contact the metering call centre to make arrangements for visits outside office hours or over the weekend.
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