Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riëtte Dell and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Setsoto has secured Council approval to correct a historic electricity tariff error, highlighting a broader municipal billing problem affecting residents and businesses across the municipality. Too often, incorrect tariffs, delayed investigations, and administrative inertia leave consumers overcharged and without recourse. Through sustained oversight, the DA is working to ensure that municipal billing errors are identified, corrected fairly, and not allowed to persist at the expense of residents and businesses.
In this case, Council approved a corrective council item arising from the incorrect application of an electricity tariff on a business bulk meter in Clocolan, after the matter remained unresolved for an unacceptably long period despite repeated engagement.
During a review of the account, it was confirmed that an incorrect electricity tariff had been applied since the installation of the bulk meter, resulting in the business being overcharged. While a portion of the correction fell within the municipality’s Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy and was processed administratively, a significant portion of the overcharge fell outside the policy’s two-year write-back limitation.
As a result, Council approval was required to correct the remaining overcharge. Council has now approved the write-back of the historic billing error, confirming that the overcharging was not caused by the consumer but by the municipality’s misapplication of the tariff.
Importantly, Council also approved the correction of the missed concession after it was established that the municipality’s delay in investigating and resolving the matter prevented the business from applying during the official concession period. This decision restores fairness where municipal delay directly caused financial prejudice.
While Council has now approved the write-back and correction of the concession, implementation is still outstanding. To date, the credit has not been processed, and the approved adjustments have not yet been applied to the account. The DA will continue to exercise strict oversight to ensure that Revenue Management implements the Council’s resolution without further delay.
Although this matter relates to one business account, the DA urges residents and businesses to remain vigilant and to:
- Check that the correct tariff is applied to their accounts;
- Review charges against actual consumption;
- Submit written queries where discrepancies are identified.
Municipal billing errors must be corrected fully and fairly. Administrative delays cannot be allowed to limit lawful corrections or deny concessions to which consumers are entitled.
Fair billing is not optional; it is a legal obligation.