At a recent public meeting it was made abundantly clear that residents who have had smart meters installed are regretting it.
Residents came prepared to talk about the Wilro Park substation and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) working on neighbourhood roads but some also brought recent municipal bills, complaining they are being overcharged. Some said the meters are faulty, and one resident is in a unique situation where his meter is installed on a neighbour’s premises and vice versa, giving both incorrect bills.
Ward 83 councillor Suzanne Clarke took the complaints and directed them to two City Power representatives at the meeting, Hope Makgamatha and Godfrey Mulaudzi.
According to Makgamatha a company by name KPG has been supplying smart meters to the city. He advocated for the keypad that came with the meters, saying its a smart communication system between the utility and residents and a way to monitor your own consumption. Smart meters have been installed here and there but a mass rollout is being planned for each suburb.
He said the utility is currently investigating why some meters’ new readings are higher than before, with some units reading even when the power is out. When Makgamatha recommended residents pay the high bills and allow City Power time to investigate, there was a major uproar. He also attempted to place the blame on the City of Johannesburg for billing issues, saying the utility’s billing department has been absorbed by CoJ and billing is now done centrally.
Residents were not impressed, demanding answers and attention to each individual scenario.
Clarke committed to holding another public meeting specifically focused on smart meters and to invite all relevant authorities on the subject. A date has yet to be announced.
Ward 83 councillor Suzanne Clarke assists residents in Roodekrans, Wilro Park, Breaunanda, Princess Crossing and Helderkruin. She can be contacted on 072 508 9947 or via email at jhbward83@gmail.com
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