A businessman from Meyerville in Standerton is hot under the collar after the electricity supply to two of his properties was cut, with municipal accounts up to date.
Mr Corné Stoltz visited the offices of the Standerton Advertiser on Wednesday, August 11.
He argued from the position of a businessman in the hospitality sector, saying the tourism industry felt the full brunt of the Covid-pandemic since March last year.
According to him, the Lekwa Municipality does not render a helping hand and with the high rates and taxes, it is near impossible for small businesses to keep their doors open.
A group of 12 municipal workers arrived at his premises on July 29, for an inspection of all his electricity meters.
The question was asked why the patterns are different on the meters as compared to previous readings, to which Mr Stoltz explained that they had no guests for the last year.
The power was cut at 14:00.
He reported it immediately, with a reference number from the fire department.
Mr Stoltz called Mr Johann Mettler, administrator, after 23:00 and was assured that they are on the short-list for reconnection.
Electricity was not restored and he contacted him again the next day.
According to Mr Stoltz, Mr Mettler said they are correctly listed for power cutting.
Proof of payment was sent through to him, as well as to the CFO, to show the account was up to date.
The statement however, showed an amount of R1 049.58 outstanding due to the increase in rates and taxes.
Mr Stoltz said he was definitely not informed about the increase.
After a Lekwa-employee contacted him for an additional R2 000 for reconnection, the CFO was called again and assurance was given that power will be restored.
“I also made an appointment with him and we had a meeting on August 4.”
After the meeting, the same inspectors waited and according to him, he gave his full cooperation.
Another two inspectors arrived on August 5, with a brand-new smart electricity meter, ready for installation.
He refused them entry and asked for a written notification, as well as the opportunity to dispute this installation.
Once again, the electricity was cut, this time with a statement amounting to R4 546.61.
Another visit followed on August 6 at 15:00 when the Deputy CFO arrived with two colleagues, saying these new meters will serve the same purpose as the old ones.
The meters were installed, with a difference in costs.
“Where I used about 80 to 90 units daily, the current usage is 30 to 40 units every four hours.”
The new meters were connected to his personal generator, used in the restaurant and according to him, he made it very clear that it was illegal.
The generator can now not be used in the restaurant during load-shedding.
Mr Stoltz notified the Deputy CFO and was promised assistance the next day.
According to him, he sent a message at 8:00 to find out their time of arrival because of other responsibilities in Pretoria.
Numerous messages allegedly indicated that he was obliged to use the municipal electricity supply and could only use his generator, when the municipality could not provide electricity.
Mr Stoltz contacted Mr Mettler and was referred to the MM, Mr Johnny Mokgatsi.
Mr Mokgatsi sent a team and power was connected and restored just before 17:00.
“The municipality must stand together with the community and come up with options and plans to put on the table,” Mr Stoltz concluded.
Ms Thobeka Mtshiselwa said on August 12 that Lekwa applies for tariffs annually at Nersa and domestic, commercial and industrial tariffs are approved.
She also said businesses have different electricity capacities and basic charges and energy charges are not the same.
The municipality classifies conventional and approved tariffs into high season and low season.
Ms Mtshiselwa added that Lekwa is currently installing split meters (the main meter is installed at the pole or municipal kiosk) and the customer receives a customer interface unit.
According to her, the type of meter has no direct bearing on consumption as it is a measuring unit.
The administrator approved the tariffs and its on the municipal website, an advertisement was also placed in the newspaper.
She concluded by saying a session to further explain it, can be arranged, should the need arise.
