Help available for higher lockdown bills due to higher water, power usage
04 August 2020
Households in general have used more water and electricity over the recent lockdown periods as more people were at home more often.
Now that meter reading is resuming, and bills are no longer being estimated, residents may be receiving unexpectedly high bills for water and electricity. It is becoming apparent that many residents used significantly more than was estimated, and may not immediately be able to pay off this balance that was under-billed due to usage being estimated.
We encourage residents who cannot pay off their accounts in full to notify the City so that we can evaluate their circumstances and see if an interest free payment arrangement is possible. We have set aside R3,3 billion to assist those severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but the City does require a stable income from rates and services to continue delivering services.
We have previously communicated the increase in consumption is primarily because there were more people at home for longer periods of the day, with schools closed, many working from home and extended families choosing to see out the lockdown periods together. Usage over this time was billed as estimations, which for many residential properties were generally lower than the actual readings that we are seeing now that meter reading has resumed.
The City is aware that these consolidated amounts could be relatively substantial for some households, especially during these tough economic times.
It is also worth noting that energy usage is traditionally highest in the winter months which will also pushes up bills.
‘We encourage our customers to please contact us to find out how to make payment arrangements and also to see if there is any other financial assistance that is available to them in the form of rates and indigent relief, especially. We thank those who have the means to pay for continuing to pay their municipal accounts and urge those who cannot afford to pay their accounts, to contact the City immediately for assistance,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance and Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson.
Income from rates and services is really important as it is used for the delivery of basic services.
Tips
For account payments:
- Online: www.Easypay.co.za or www.payCity.co.za
- EFTs: Select the City as a bank-listed beneficiary. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference
- Retailers: Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar and Woolworths
- e-Services: Use the City’s online e-services portal
- ATM: contact your bank to add the City as an ATM beneficiary
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
