1. Identify the exact issue
Decide whether the concern is a meter reading, estimated reading, consumption amount, tariff, arrears, adjustment, payment allocation, property detail or another account movement.
2. Collect the relevant bills
Keep the current bill and enough previous bills to show the normal pattern and the point where the account changed.
3. Record the physical meter
Where safe and accessible, take dated photographs showing the current reading and meter number.
4. Build a simple timeline
List the relevant billing dates, readings, estimated/actual status, consumption units, charges and any payments or prior reference numbers.
5. State the discrepancy clearly
Explain the exact difference you want investigated. For example: the bill records a reading that does not match the physical meter, or an adjustment appears without a clear explanation.
6. Use the municipality's official channel
Submit the query through the municipality's recognised billing or customer-service process and keep the reference number and copies of what you submitted.
7. Keep tracking the account
Continue keeping bills, readings and correspondence while the query is open so you can see whether later statements change the disputed information.
Turn your municipal bills into a trackable history.
Billing Assist helps organise bill data, meter readings, usage and account movements and can flag potential anomalies for you to review.
Start Billing Assist for R49/month →Frequently asked questions
Can Billing Assist submit a legal dispute for me?
Billing Assist can help organise account information and generate support material, but it does not replace legal advice or the municipality's formal dispute procedure.
Should I keep the reference number?
Yes. Keep every municipal reference number together with the date and a copy of the information you submitted.
What if I am unsure what caused the increase?
Start by comparing readings, consumption units, current charges and arrears across several bills to isolate where the change occurred.