13 June 2006 CITY'S REVENUE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS KEY ISSUES THROUGH CITY BUZZ City Buzz, the customer newsletter sent out by the Revenue Department aims to keep its customers updated on key issues that directly impact them on a regular basis. The June issue looks at the following topics: What to do if your electricity is cut-off or your water restricted Meter readings - how often is it read and how to read your own meter Remember to budget for an increase in your electricity account this winter Statement codes - a guide to establishing which city department or company is responsible for preparing your statement and which call centre to contact Reathusa Municipal Account Subsidy Scheme, which aims to assist customers earning less than R6500 gross per month, offers you the opportunity to have half of your debt written off. Special registration road shows are being held across the City to encourage registration FAQs in the City include: Can I apply to have a prepaid water meter installed at my house? This project is currently only being implemented in Soweto through operation Gcin'amanzi. It is a seven-year programme focused on reducing the amount of wasted water. Prepaid water meters are not yet available anywhere else in the City I have a pre-paid water meter. Why am I still being billed for water? Joburg Water is currently writing off the installation of prepaid water meters in equal amounts over a three-year period. You will continue to receive a statement, which reflects the amount of the write off. For more information you can call Joburg Water on 688 1600 during business hours or you can contact Joburg Connect on 375 5555 and select option 3 If I am unable to settle the outstanding balance on my water account, can I make arrangement to settle it over time? Can I do this over the phone? No, all arrangements need to be made in person at selected council paypoints. In the case of water (remember the account number starts with 44) you can also visit Joburg Water at Argent House, 21 Loveday Street, Marshalltown to pay your account or make arrangements What should I do if I do not receive a statement? From time to time your statement may not arrive in the post for a variety of reasons. It is important to remember that even if you do not receive a statement you must pay your account in full on or before the due date. Remember you can also register to receive your statement by email on the City's website How do I find out my balance if I do not receive a statement? You can contact Joburg Connect for the balance. You can also register on-line at the City's website to receive your statement by email Why do I receive my statement at different times in the month? The City has an ongoing cycle of printing statements in the month, around one million. Your due date is listed on the statement. It is important to pay your account by the due date to prevent any interest charges being added or final letters of demand being issued What if I only get paid after the due date? Will I be cut off or charged interest? Yes, unfortunately the billing cycle dates will not always coincide with your salary date. If your account is not paid on the due date (which is printed on your statement), you will be charged interest, and the credit control process immediately begins What is a Final Letter of Demand? If you do not pay your account by the due date the City implements its credit control process and a Final Letter of Demand is issued. The Final Letter of Demand is our way of giving of giving our customers notice that their municipal services may be restricted or terminated. The cost of the letter, which is R37.50, is paid by the customer and is included on your statement. Should the outstanding payment still not be made, the City's credit control process will continue to be implemented and customers will be liable for legal costs that result from the credit control action. Should you wish to receive this newsletter online - please email your details to selmal@joburg.org.za. The newsletter is also available on the City's website ENDS. Issued by: Mandy Jean Woods Director: Marketing and Communications Department of Revenue City of Johannesburg Phone: 358-3420 Fax: 358-3639 Cell: 082 553 4211 (Please send sms if urgent) Email: mandyw@joburg.org.za