Municipal bill checker & dispute letter
Billed for more than you used? Make a dispute letter for your municipality. Free, and nothing is uploaded.
For monthly (postpaid) water and electricity accounts. Prepaid meters don't get estimated bills.
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Dispute a bill
Nothing in the letter is saved. If you reload you start the letter again; your meter log stays.
Your bill
Some required fields are empty
Your meter log
Optional. Readings you take yourself are your proof, and let the letter above compare your bill with what you used. Back to your letter
Saved only on this device, in this browser. Meter numbers and readings only, never photos.
Overnight leak check
Before bed, make sure nothing uses water (taps off, no washing machine or dishwasher running) and read the water meter. Read it again first thing in the morning, before anyone uses water.
Submit your own reading
Submit your own reading before your municipality's reading date and it is less likely to bill you an estimate. Take a clear photo that shows the meter number, the reading and the date.
City of Johannesburg
- Electricity: email the photo to [email protected] with your account number, meter number, reading, and the date and time, or submit it on e-Joburg. City Power says readings sent outside your area's scheduled reading window are not used for billing.
- Water: phone the readings through to Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874.
- Electricity billing queries: [email protected] or 011 490 7484.
- Other account queries: [email protected].
City of Cape Town
- Online: through your municipal account on the e-Services portal. Or phone 0860 103 089.
- Electricity: [email protected].
Another municipality? Check its website or call its call centre for how to submit a reading.
How it works
- Enter the details from your bill. If you have meter readings saved, we compare the consumption billed with what they show.
- Enter the amount you dispute and why, and add your name and address.
- Check the letter, download or copy it, and send it to your municipality. Keep paying the part you do not dispute.
- Optional: keep a meter log and take a reading every month, so the next dispute has proof.
Common questions
What counts as a dispute?
Section 102(2) of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 speaks of a dispute "concerning any specific amount claimed by the municipality". So a dispute names the invoice and the exact amount in rand that you say is wrong, and gives the reason. A general complaint that your bills are too high does not name a specific amount. Some municipalities also set their own steps: the City of Johannesburg's credit control policy asks you to log a query first (by phone or at a customer service centre, and get a reference number) and to declare a written dispute if it is not resolved within 30 days. Check your own municipality's policy.
Do I still have to pay while I dispute a bill?
Yes, keep paying the amount you do not dispute. Under section 102(2) the municipality's powers to apply credit control and debt collection measures do not apply to a specific amount that is in dispute, but the rest of your account is still due. Credit control by-laws and policies usually also say what you must keep paying while a dispute runs. The City of Johannesburg's policy, for example, says payment for the disputed part is based on your average monthly previous charges. Check yours, and never stop paying altogether.
What is an estimated reading?
An estimated reading is a figure the municipality works out, instead of a reading taken from your meter. The bill usually says so. Estimates can be too high or too low. Prepaid electricity meters do not get estimated bills, because you pay in advance for the units you buy, so this tool is for postpaid (monthly account) water and electricity.
How do I read my water meter?
On a traditional meter, the black numbers are kilolitres (kL) and the red numbers are litres. You are charged per kilolitre, so read and submit only the black numbers (City of Cape Town). The City of Johannesburg likewise asks for the black digits on the meter dial. Take a photo showing the meter number, the reading and the date.
Is my meter log uploaded?
No. The meter numbers and readings you add are saved only in this browser on this device, in one item you can delete at any time with the Delete my meter log button. Photos are never saved: they are shrunk on your device and go only into the letter PDF.
This tool is a record-keeping and drafting aid, not legal advice. See our disclaimer.