Consumers urged to monitor electricity meters

By Kim Saulse
16 February 2010

The City’s Mayoral Committee member for Utility Services, Clive Justus, has urged residents to monitor their electricity accounts on a monthly basis.

Justus says consumers can significantly reduce their electricity bill by monitoring their electricity meters.

He says once one has an understanding of the household consumption patterns, one should check the monthly account to make sure that the usage is accurately reflected and recorded.

The City has a total of 579 000 electricity customers, approximately 160 000 of whom have the older electricity credit-type meters which are read both by in-house staff and by a City contractor.

“It is impossible to read each meter every month, as many of these meters are situated inside houses where it may be difficult to gain access. In such cases a card is usually left, requesting that the consumer take a meter reading themselves and send it to the number provided on the card,” said Justus.

If this is not done, the City estimates an expected usage and the figures are corrected and balanced the next time an actual reading takes place.

After three consecutive missed readings, a letter will be sent to the consumer requesting assistance in obtaining a reading.

Justus says if this fails to achieve a response, the consumption is manually increased and a note is captured on the system for future reference.

“The only way to ensure accurate billing of accounts is to ensure the City obtains regular meter readings,” said Alderman Justus.