City power swapped meter...now what?

[ToxicBunny]

This has been a complete mess.
so:
month 1 - estimate: 2 x normal bill. City of JHB - just pay, it gets reversed when actuals read. we paid
month 2 - estimate: again 3 x normal bill. City of JHB. Just pay, it will be fixed. we paid
month 3 - Actual reading! Except the idiot can't see where the comma goes. 21805 kWh instead 2180.5. Invoice is 10x usual amount. Went to randburg City of JHB offices - severely bored lady says meter readers don't make mistakes. Your photos are fake. Go away. Usual f-off attitude at the Randburg offices.
month 4 - estimates again, but now based on the "actual" meter reading. again 10x actual readings.
The bill now stands at over R60K, with CIty of JHB threatening to shut off services.

Want to go prepaid asap, but CIty of JHB state any credits left on the postpaid account are not refunded.

Emails to estimations@citypower.co.za are delayed then bounce undelivered
Emails to 'wmcqueries@citypower.co.za' are delayed then bounce undelivered
Tried calling 086 056 2874. Got passed around and cut off numerous times.

How the stuff do you get this sorted out?

Totally expected from a municipal department.

Your best bet is to find out where the Finance/Revenue department for the COJ resides and go there and start throwing toys all over the place. Don't bother with the front line staff, they're disinterested at best...

I had a R500k water bill, and it was only resolved once I went into the Revenue head office in Durban and had a small shyte fit at people that I got any traction on resolving the issue.

 

[Belix]

Thanks for replies. Was unaware of the ombudsman.
Not sure how I would find someone more interested at Randburg. Frontline staff don’t want to direct you to their manager.

 

[malstan]

 

[malstan]

Ombud is just as useless

 

[isie]

Ombud is just as useless

have to disagree , they Solved my issue - and got me a credit

 

[Belix]

Managed to get a meter reader out. With any luck they take the new reading and don’t say the new reading is the mistake...