Why do Plett users pay extra for prepaid meters?
As Plettenberg Bay residents, we are dissatisfied with the current policy on prepaid meters for electricity. Bitou is the only municipality where the consumer must pay a basic fee of R202 per month for a prepaid meter, despite the increased rate of what we already pay when purchasing prepaid electricity.
We understand that the elected DA of Bitou Municipality now needs to sort out the mess caused by the previous powers. I in particular voted for the DA, and feel that I can accede to this matter to be investigated, because it is not fair to us as consumers that we have to pay a basic fee, while we already pay an increased rate when purchasing electricity.
We are not supposed to pay a basic fee if we have prepaid meters! We have learned from a reliable source that consumers in New Horizons and KwaNokuthula do not pay a basic fee. They get 20 units a month free AND they pay less per unit.
This is blatant discrimination against us, the consumer, as we already pay a higher fee. We asked our landlords to install a prepaid meter, to save costs, as many of us do not own our own homes, and must rent.
I am sure that the municipality is wrongly billing us for this and we want you to look into this matter. It is interesting that no other municipalities in our country – Knysna, George, Rustenburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, to name just a few – charge a basic fee to their consumers for the use of prepaid meters.
Why are we paying for this in Plettenberg Bay? Your inspection is highly valued and we believe that you will take this matter up with the relevant department and have the basic fee cancelled.
Taken for a ride? by email
(We forwarded this letter to Bitou Municipality but at the time of our going to press, no response had been received. – Eds.)
Source: CXpress