Solutions may lie in prepaid meters

Madam – ELECTRICITY ACCOUNTS AND METERS.

According to articles published in the Advertiser of 15 November 2013, it appears that, for many, the solution to the high electricity accounts lies in the installation of prepaid meters.

It is common cause that the unit cost will be higher than the existing tariff, the only difference being that the consumer will, according to his or her needs, buy their electricity when necessary and will no longer be subject to wrong readings or variations in meter reading periods.

The concern raised by Baffled Battler is one of the main reasons for excessive electricity accounts. This matter was brought to the attention of the Municipality in a letter dated 13 September 2013 just to be informed that the higher tariff will be investigated.

For the Mayor to refer the matter to NERSA will be fruitless because NERSA approved the increased tariffs submitted to them by the Municipality. In our letter we made it absolutely clear that the tariffs for block 3 and 4, increasing by 12.2% and 16.7% respectively are not in line with the schedule of tariffs attached to the budget documentaion nor with the notice published in the Advertiser of 14 June 2013.

The approved tariff for block 3 and 4 is 86.69 cents and 87.91 cents and NOT 90 cents and 95 cents as shown on the electricity accounts.

The Municipality through the Council and it’s leadership owe the consumer an explanation with an adjustment with retrospective effect. A copy of this letter has been forwarded to NERSA.

We thank you.

NEWCASTLE RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Response from Mayor, Afzul Rehman:

This is exactly why I referred the letter to Nersa. If they confirm that it is not the rate that was approved by them, we will adjust it accordingly.