26/03/2024
ARTICLE BY HEATHER HART
CITY INSTALLATION OF PREPAID METERS IN EDENVALE AREA
The Edenvale Energy department is rolling out prepaid meters to 'targeted' properties - either where the electricity meters are still inside the property or where meters do not appear to be functioning properly or readings are erratic for whatever reason ie you have solar etc.
You could be contacted by phone or by a visit or by having a notice 'stuck' in your gate or somewhere visible. How ever you are contacted, the contractor must be able to produce a letter with your property and account details on it. If they cannot produce that you are certainly justified in refusing them access and turning them away.
If in doubt you can always send me the letter they present via what's app on 082 902 1834 or email [email protected] or try calling - if I am available I do usually answer!
This roll out programme is being managed by a 'managing contractor' but it does appear that some of the 'sub-contractors' are not as professional as could be desired and sometimes this could be compounded by language barriers.
Then to clear some misconceptions - prepaid to an individual account holder costs exactly the same as post-paid which is R2.89 ex VAT for the 23/24 year and R64.26 ex VAT monthly basic charge. However, the monthly basic charge will be deducted on the 1st purchase of each month, but if you do not purchase in one month, then the following month 2 x monthly basic charges will be deducted.
When your prepaid meter is installed you are given a certain number of units 'free' at installation but when you make your first purchase thereafter, those units will be deducted from the amount you pay.
I hope this is relatively clear!
Ald Heather Hart
Ward 18 Councillor
