We received our July-August 2013 municipal account (R3903.91) with an almost 50 % increase in the amount due in comparison June-July 2013 account (R1800). Upon contacting the call centre, I was informed that the person(-s) responsible for the meter reading could not access our premises, and an estimation was made, based on the usage during similar periods the previous years. I was requested to take the readings, which I did on 21/8/2013, and was disturbed by what I found. The dates of estimating was: water (7/8/2013) and electricity (16/8/2013). The estimate reading for water was 9323, 365 comparing to the actual reading of 9318, 18 14 days later. The estimate reading for electricity was 48775, 240 kWh comparing to the actual reading of 48477kWh 7 days later. My concern is that this method of estimating is considered acceptable, yet it is clearly not in the best interest of the consumer. Furthermore this also implies that we have to pay for services we did not use. Also, how many of us continue to pay accounts without verifying the readings. Until the City of Cape Town really works for all of us, they should consider an alternative slogan.
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