R4.2m power bill normal – City of Joburg

The City of Johannesburg has surprised residents of a townhouse complex with a massive electricity bill of more than R4.2 million and says it’s perfectly acceptable.

The Windsor East, northwestern Joburg, townhouse complex with 12 units recently received an electricity bill of R4.2 million, reported Joburg daily, The Star.

The bill is one of many that have slipped through the city’s warning system, which is triggered if a statement is 5% higher or lower than a consumer’s average monthly consumption.

Another Joburg resident was left frustrated after struggling to get an explanation for his account of R958 000 for a month’s electricity.

“We have been to the City of Joburg six times, to no avail. To add insult to injury, they are adding interest,” said Dion Baumann.

David Gadney received a bill for R2.2 million for an empty building in Benrose, which was being renovated.

His bill has shot up from R2.2 million to R2.9 million since reporting the matter and unknown meter numbers have been listed on his account.

A city official said the townhouse complex was a big power user and their account was for a period of ­
1 019 days but admitted that the account was based on estimated readings.

News24