Municipalities have outsourced their electricity management to outside companies, for some sectional title schemes, security villages and commercial properties. This means that the deposit is payable to the agent, electricity of individual meters are read by the agent and monthly accounts are rendered by the agent. The agent is then responsible for the bulk electricity account from the municipality. The benefits to the municipality are obvious, but it is also a wonderful mechanism when combined with the collection of levies.

THE DYNAMICS OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION

• Understand the function of the deposit. Meters are read on the 15 th of the month and then processed into accounts, which must be paid before the fourth of the following month. If not paid, notices are hand delivered (at a price!) to inform you that services will be suspended if not paid within 48 hours. By the time the electricity is actually cut, two months’ consumption has accrued. Due to the high risk involved with regard to losses, it is imperative that electricity deposits be sufficient.
• Understand that appliances, which generate heat, such as geysers, stoves, tumble dryers, heaters, irons, kettles, toasters, etc., use the most electricity. Geyser thermostats that are set too hot, will lessen the life of the geyser and cost you a packet in unnecessary electricity consumption. When going away on weekends, you can save a lot by switching off your geyser.
• Consider the time factor – how long does it take to do its job. It may be better to use a pressure cooker as it reduces the period of time for which the stove plates need to be switched on.
• Consider the temperature outside. When it is cold, everything, including the geyser, needs more electricity to reach its working temperature.
• Time of the year. Electricity consumption always increases in winter. The previous point has a bearing on the case and also the amount of daylight. Lights are kept on much longer than in summer, and some form of electrical heating is used.
• Changes in your household. When your mother-in-law comes visiting, you use more hot water (she also wants to bath), so the geyser works more. She might bake you some cookies or a big roast in the oven, while you almost never use the oven and have no idea of how much electricity it uses! Or you may have a new baby – with lots of washing, etc., etc.
• The period for which you receive the bill. February has only 28 days (usually!), while March has 31. Because we read the electricity on the 15 the of the month, (except in December) your account for March (15 February to 15 March) will be for 28 days, while your account for April will be 31 days. Three days do make a difference!
• Very, very seldom, there might be a problem with the meter. If you feel absolutely confident that the consumption is more than you use, we will, at your cost, currently R400.00, arrange for an electrician to test the meter. If it is defective, the body corporate will refund you for the test and replace the meter.