Residents have had recent run-ins with meter reading impersonators looking to access homes in Bedfordview with no official identification.
In response to a letter in the NEWS, July 31 edition, titled ‘False meter readers prowling’, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) said they are not aware of any meter reader impersonators.
Themba Gadebe, CoE spokesperson, said the city is not aware of any impersonators.
Gadebe said the city has not received any recent complaints over this mater and residents with meters inside their properties can expect readers once a month.
He said meter readers are sent out on a daily basis; however, every suburb has its own reading schedule.
“All meter readers have identity cards to identify themselves, showing the CoE logo, the name and the ID number. The vehicles are branded with the name of the company contracted to the CoE,” said Gadebe.
He said most official meter readers do work outside of properties, but if the meter is inside a property, residents should verify identification before allowing them on the property.
“Residents should check identity cards with CoE logo, the ID photo on the card and the full names of the meter reader,” said Gadebe.
He said to only allow meter readers onto their properties once they have produced identity cards.
“Once CoE appoints a new service provider, they will then read the meters for a period of three years and they will be allocated to a specific area for the three years,” said Gadebe.
He said service providers must brand their vehicles and meter readers should be wearing a uniform with an identity card always present.
