City says Craighall pensioners owe R143k for unpaid services, not billing error
The couple claim they’re being billed for electricity they never used, but the city says their growing municipal debt spans far more than just power.
For Barrie and Geraldine Brookstone, life in their Craighall home has been anything but peaceful. The retired couple in their 70s say they are being billed for electricity linked to a meter that is not even installed at their property, and they have the documents to prove it.
Yet despite their pleas and proof of mismatched meter numbers, they continue to receive letters from City Power threatening disconnection unless they pay a total municipal debt of over R143 000.
Barrie claims he has paid around R10 000 a month in recent months to keep the lights on, while mostly living in just one room with his partially paralysed wife. “They keep saying I owe thousands, but I’ve paid and paid,” he said.
Also read: Elderly Craighall Park couple face R143k City Power bill, for a meter that’s not theirs
A new prepaid smart meter was eventually installed on July 16 after months of confusion and frustration.
City responds with facts and a firm stance.
Following the initial article, the City of Johannesburg issued a statement addressing the Brookstones’ concerns. According to their records, the R143 000 bill is not just for electricity, but for combined municipal services including property rates, water, sewer and refuse.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, director of communications, said, “The property owners have a long-standing pattern of irregular payments and are classified as part-paying customers.” The city claims the couple have either underpaid or skipped payments altogether over the past four years.
The city added that despite repeated opportunities, no formal debt repayment arrangement has been made. As such, the property has been flagged for disconnection under Project Lokisa, a city-wide campaign to target defaulting accounts and illegal connections.
Also read: Residents along Louis Botha Avenue furious as City Power fails to fix damaged infrastructure
Customers facing financial difficulties are urged to approach the municipality to make formal payment arrangements. Various payment options are available, including debit orders, EasyPay retailers, and online banking.
City Power shifts billing responsibilities
In a separate statement, City Power announced that as of July 1, it has officially taken over electricity billing from the City of Johannesburg. This shift is aimed at resolving persistent billing issues and restoring trust with residents.
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said the change is designed to bring greater accuracy and accountability to the process. “By taking full ownership of the billing function, we are putting customers at the centre of our operations,” she said.
Also read: Tips to reduce power usage and stay warm this winter
A new city-wide audit of electricity meters is already underway to ensure every household is correctly billed. A dedicated unit has also been created to handle billing queries and speed up resolution times. Residents with queries are encouraged to email billing@citypower.co.za or call 011 490 7484.
For Barrie, who insists the numbers still don’t add up, the issue remains deeply personal. “We just want clarity and fairness,” he said. “Someone must be held responsible for this mess.”
The city says they are open to working with all residents, but payment or at least an arrangement is non-negotiable.
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