CAN ELECTRICITY BILLS BE DISPUTED?

CAN electricity bills be disputed? 

When Cyril’s electricity meter was replaced with a new and updated version by the municipality, he thought all his account problems were over. 

But when his bill arrived the next month, he was shocked to find that it had gone up from R650 a month to a staggering R87 000. 

Azikhiphi! That’s not on! 

There’s no way he could have used that much electricity in one month. He even goes as far as switching off his geyser every day. 

So, he contacted the municipality and they advised him to pay the amount owing first, saying they’d sort out his grievance after that step and then reimburse him. 

Not liking these odds, Cyril opted to get legal advice from Scorpion. 

How does it work? 

Cyril visited his nearest Scorpion branch with his ID. He then got legal assistance. His Scorpion lawyer advised him that in such cases, it would be up to the court to decide who needed to prove that either the meter was not functioning, or that the municipality had made a mistake when it read or estimated the meter readings. 

But in most cases, the municipality would have to prove this once the consumer has logged a query. 

What should Cyril do? 

He should log a query with the municipality to dispute the amount. The municipality would then have to prove the unit was functioning correctly, or that the meter reading was read or estimated the right way. 

If it can’t prove this, the court will decide on the matter based on the evidence presented. 

Five things to know about disputing an electricity bill

You must submit a query with the municipality. 

Write a letter to the municipality stating your dispute. 

If they cut your services during a dispute period, you can take legal action. 

You need to ensure that you have proof of your side of the case. 

If the municipality issues a summons against you, you can defend yourself with your proof. 

How Scorpion helps 

With the legal advice Cyril got from his Scorpion lawyer, he was able to follow the right process with the municipality and his account was amended without having to go to court. 

Scorpion Legal Protection can assist policyholders with similar queries.