In order to avert confusion regarding its recent announcement of implementing billing regionalisation, the City of Johannesburg answered these frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on its website.
Billing finally closer to home
The billing regionalisation project is to be implemented starting December this year. New meter reading schedules and bill issuing dates will be released in November. The Record created a handy guide to the process in the form of an infographic. Residents will now be billed as per Region C.
How will I know my new meter reading dates?
A meter reading schedule will henceforth be inserted into statements. It will also be made available on the city’s website, www.joburg.org.za, or at any Customer Service Centre in November. Each resident will receive a personalised letter advising of the above mentioned. There will also be advertisements in the newspapers.
How does it affect my bill’s due date?
The due date will change due to the new reading schedule being implemented. Customers will be afforded the opportunity to choose their own bill’s due date (between the 15th and the last day of the month).
Can I change my bill’s due date?
Yes. Customers can request that a due date which has systematically been generated be changed. This request can be made at any Customer Service Centre or through Joburg Connect or via email at duedates@joburg.org.za
Can I change my meter reading date?
Unfortunately not. The reading date is set per region and suburb and cannot change to suit individual preference.
Can I change the date that my bill is issued?
Unfortunately not. The reading date is set per region and suburb and cannot change to suit individual preference.
Why did the city embark on this project, and how does it benefit me?
Simply put, for CoJ to understand its customers better, to improve business efficiency and to create a platform to gather better intelligence about customers in every region. The biggest benefit is that customers can tailor due dates according to their preference. Customers will also know bill issuing dates and meter reading dates up front. Dedicated meter readers will be deployed to every region.
Is there anything I should be changing as a result of this project?
Customers are encouraged to visit their financial institution of choice to amend debit order details in order to reflect the correct deduction day.
With activation of the system, will there be any negative impact on me?
No. Some customers might receive two bills during the first month of implementation (December). This will, however, not cause a negative financial overcharge on the account as the first bill will be for a shorter period and smaller amount, and the second bill for a full calendar month.
Will I be financially impacted by the implementation of this project?
No. The impact is more technical of nature.
Do I need to visit the Customer Service Centre to update my details?
Residents are encouraged to visit any Customer Service Centre across the city to update their details, should it be necessary.
Will I receive two bills in the first month?
Only a few customers will receive two bills in December. These customers will, however, be advised beforehand of this once-off occurrence.
Can I change my bill’s due date more than once?
Yes, should it become necessary. This functionality allows customers to align the due date with their pay days or any day that suits them.
Where can I provide my preferred due date?
Customers can phone Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874 or email their request to duedates@joburg.org.za or visit their nearest Customer Service Centre. Kindly note that should customers wish to use the email facility, they need to include their account number, the preferred due date and any personal information that needs to be updated on the system.
How does this affect my payment method?
Customers are reminded that should they pay at any third party on the due date, it will only reflect on CoJ’s systems three days later. Credit control will kick in. Residents can also pay via EFT which will show up immediately on the records of any Customer Service Centre.
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