DT
David T
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2024
23 May 2025, 20:03
Urgent Complaint Regarding Unacceptable Electricity Billing and Service at Tradewinds
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the ongoing issues with prepaid electricity billing and customer service at Tradewinds, managed by Protea Metering.
Despite occupying the unit on a part-time basis, I have consistently experienced unreasonably high electricity depletion within a matter of hours. My repeated attempts to seek clarity via several emails to Protea Metering have gone unanswered. This level of non-responsiveness is unacceptable, especially given the financial impact.
Key issues include:
Daily Shared Services Charges: I am billed R15.45 per day in “shared services,” a fee that leading utility management companies like RMS and PEC Utility do not charge in this manner. Over a month, this amounts to approximately R420, which is significantly higher than RMS’s network surcharge for an entire office block (approximately R295 per month at a 0.0600 rate).
Lack of Transparency and Support: Despite requesting clarification and a physical inspection of the meter location, the portfolio manager has been unable to provide any answers. No technician has visited the unit, despite my request.
Minimal Usage, Excessive Billing: The unit is mostly unoccupied, with only a fridge left running. The geyser remains off, yet the electricity drains rapidly. This raises serious concerns about how consumption is calculated or whether there may be an error or fault.
Poor Communication: The complete lack of response to my email queries and the reliance on costly SMS notifications are unacceptable. This further demonstrates Protea Metering’s disregard for effective client communication.
I have worked with reputable utility companies such as PEC Utility and Broll, and I must say Protea Metering’s service falls well below industry standards. The current situation is not only frustrating but financially punitive for residents.
I am requesting the following:
1. An urgent onsite inspection by a qualified technician.
2. A detailed breakdown of all charges, particularly the “shared services” fee.
3. Immediate clarification of the meter’s location and accessibility.
4. A formal review of Protea Metering’s contract with this complex, with a view to considering a more reliable and transparent utility management company
Helpful (0)
Replies (5)0
Replies (5)
Protea Metering's replyOfficial
26 May 2025, 13:15Good day David
Thank you for reaching out as we would like to provide clarity on the matter.
Protea Metering was appointed to capture the readings and collect all funds that are due to the Body Corporate, who is responsible for payment of the bulk COJ account for electricity, water, sewer and fixed charges. What must be billed is therefore established by the COJ promulgated tariffs.
Protea Metering offers the Body Corporate a comprehensive service solution and it is not only electricity funds that are collected. You may refer to clauses 5.1.1 & 5.1.2 of your lease agreement that stipulate what charges will be included.
Thank you for reaching out as we would like to provide clarity on the matter.
Protea Metering was appointed to capture the readings and collect all funds that are due to the Body Corporate, who is responsible for payment of the bulk COJ account for electricity, water, sewer and fixed charges. What must be billed is therefore established by the COJ promulgated tariffs.
Protea Metering offers the Body Corporate a comprehensive service solution and it is not only electricity funds that are collected. You may refer to clauses 5.1.1 & 5.1.2 of your lease agreement that stipulate what charges will be included.
You are able to view the invoice on your OAMI profile, and apart from electricity and water the invoices also include the following fixed charges:
| Water read charge | R28.18
| COJ Dom Water Demand Levy | R42.08
| COJ Sewer charge Flats | R361.88
| Total (Including VAT) | R432.14
The total amount of the fixed charges is split into daily portions that are payable irrespective of whether tenants are at home or not, or if water & electricity is consumed or not. The daily portion will reflect on your OAMI profile as Shared Services.
Kindly forward the previously unanswered emails to *** as that is not our commitment regarding service delivery and we must sort that out internally. We apologize for any inconvenience suffered.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should any further information be required.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
6TWIN
Kindly forward the previously unanswered emails to *** as that is not our commitment regarding service delivery and we must sort that out internally. We apologize for any inconvenience suffered.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should any further information be required.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
6TWIN
Protea Metering's reply26 May 2025, 13:15
Official
Good day David
Thank you for reaching out as we would like to provide clarity on the matter.
Protea Metering was appointed to capture the readings and collect all funds that are due to the Body Corporate, who is responsible for payment of the bulk COJ account for electricity, water, sewer and fixed charges. What must be billed is therefore established by the COJ promulgated tariffs.
Protea Metering offers the Body Corporate a comprehensive service solution and it is not only electricity funds that are collected. You may refer to clauses 5.1.1 & 5.1.2 of your lease agreement that stipulate what charges will be included.
Thank you for reaching out as we would like to provide clarity on the matter.
Protea Metering was appointed to capture the readings and collect all funds that are due to the Body Corporate, who is responsible for payment of the bulk COJ account for electricity, water, sewer and fixed charges. What must be billed is therefore established by the COJ promulgated tariffs.
Protea Metering offers the Body Corporate a comprehensive service solution and it is not only electricity funds that are collected. You may refer to clauses 5.1.1 & 5.1.2 of your lease agreement that stipulate what charges will be included.
You are able to view the invoice on your OAMI profile, and apart from electricity and water the invoices also include the following fixed charges:
| Water read charge | R28.18
| COJ Dom Water Demand Levy | R42.08
| COJ Sewer charge Flats | R361.88
| Total (Including VAT) | R432.14
The total amount of the fixed charges is split into daily portions that are payable irrespective of whether tenants are at home or not, or if water & electricity is consumed or not. The daily portion will reflect on your OAMI profile as Shared Services.
Kindly forward the previously unanswered emails to *** as that is not our commitment regarding service delivery and we must sort that out internally. We apologize for any inconvenience suffered.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should any further information be required.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
6TWIN
Kindly forward the previously unanswered emails to *** as that is not our commitment regarding service delivery and we must sort that out internally. We apologize for any inconvenience suffered.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should any further information be required.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
6TWIN
DT
David T's updateReviewer Update
26 May 2025, 14:33I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding the water billing practices currently being implemented by Protea Metering for our multi-dwelling unit.
According to the City of Johannesburg (COJ) water tariff regulations, the following applies to residential multi-dwelling units where consumption is metered via one or a combination of bulk meters:
The first 6 kilolitres (kl) per unit per month are to be provided free of charge.
Consumption from 6 to 10 kl is to be billed at R26.20 per kl, as stipulated in the current COJ tariff booklet.
However, Protea Metering’s billing statements show clear discrepancies that go beyond COJ’s approved tariff structures. The figures currently being charged to residents do not reflect the tiered consumption structure and do not appear in the official COJ tariff documents.
This lack of compliance raises serious questions about the accuracy, fairness, and legality of the charges imposed on us. I am therefore escalating this matter to:
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) for investigation into potential regulatory non-compliance,
City of Johannesburg for verification of applicable tariff enforcement and billing practices.
Additionally, I call upon the body corporate trustees to urgently review the current contract with Protea Metering. It may be necessary to convene a general meeting to discuss alternative metering service providers who can ensure transparent and lawful billing.
It is unacceptable that residents are subjected to incorrect charges due to what appears to be either a lack of understanding or deliberate misapplication of official tariffs.
I look forward to a prompt and thorough response to this matter.
According to the City of Johannesburg (COJ) water tariff regulations, the following applies to residential multi-dwelling units where consumption is metered via one or a combination of bulk meters:
The first 6 kilolitres (kl) per unit per month are to be provided free of charge.
Consumption from 6 to 10 kl is to be billed at R26.20 per kl, as stipulated in the current COJ tariff booklet.
However, Protea Metering’s billing statements show clear discrepancies that go beyond COJ’s approved tariff structures. The figures currently being charged to residents do not reflect the tiered consumption structure and do not appear in the official COJ tariff documents.
This lack of compliance raises serious questions about the accuracy, fairness, and legality of the charges imposed on us. I am therefore escalating this matter to:
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) for investigation into potential regulatory non-compliance,
City of Johannesburg for verification of applicable tariff enforcement and billing practices.
Additionally, I call upon the body corporate trustees to urgently review the current contract with Protea Metering. It may be necessary to convene a general meeting to discuss alternative metering service providers who can ensure transparent and lawful billing.
It is unacceptable that residents are subjected to incorrect charges due to what appears to be either a lack of understanding or deliberate misapplication of official tariffs.
I look forward to a prompt and thorough response to this matter.
DT
David T's update26 May 2025, 14:33
Reviewer Update
I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding the water billing practices currently being implemented by Protea Metering for our multi-dwelling unit.
According to the City of Johannesburg (COJ) water tariff regulations, the following applies to residential multi-dwelling units where consumption is metered via one or a combination of bulk meters:
The first 6 kilolitres (kl) per unit per month are to be provided free of charge.
Consumption from 6 to 10 kl is to be billed at R26.20 per kl, as stipulated in the current COJ tariff booklet.
However, Protea Metering’s billing statements show clear discrepancies that go beyond COJ’s approved tariff structures. The figures currently being charged to residents do not reflect the tiered consumption structure and do not appear in the official COJ tariff documents.
This lack of compliance raises serious questions about the accuracy, fairness, and legality of the charges imposed on us. I am therefore escalating this matter to:
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) for investigation into potential regulatory non-compliance,
City of Johannesburg for verification of applicable tariff enforcement and billing practices.
Additionally, I call upon the body corporate trustees to urgently review the current contract with Protea Metering. It may be necessary to convene a general meeting to discuss alternative metering service providers who can ensure transparent and lawful billing.
It is unacceptable that residents are subjected to incorrect charges due to what appears to be either a lack of understanding or deliberate misapplication of official tariffs.
I look forward to a prompt and thorough response to this matter.
According to the City of Johannesburg (COJ) water tariff regulations, the following applies to residential multi-dwelling units where consumption is metered via one or a combination of bulk meters:
The first 6 kilolitres (kl) per unit per month are to be provided free of charge.
Consumption from 6 to 10 kl is to be billed at R26.20 per kl, as stipulated in the current COJ tariff booklet.
However, Protea Metering’s billing statements show clear discrepancies that go beyond COJ’s approved tariff structures. The figures currently being charged to residents do not reflect the tiered consumption structure and do not appear in the official COJ tariff documents.
This lack of compliance raises serious questions about the accuracy, fairness, and legality of the charges imposed on us. I am therefore escalating this matter to:
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) for investigation into potential regulatory non-compliance,
City of Johannesburg for verification of applicable tariff enforcement and billing practices.
Additionally, I call upon the body corporate trustees to urgently review the current contract with Protea Metering. It may be necessary to convene a general meeting to discuss alternative metering service providers who can ensure transparent and lawful billing.
It is unacceptable that residents are subjected to incorrect charges due to what appears to be either a lack of understanding or deliberate misapplication of official tariffs.
I look forward to a prompt and thorough response to this matter.
Protea Metering's replyOfficial
26 May 2025, 15:29Good afternoon David
Another untrue statement that you are making...
The water charge on every single invoice is R0 because you have not once exceeded the free kl's for the month, please refer to all the invoices, and please see below extract from your latest invoice as an example:
| Item | Start reading | End Reading | Kl Consumed | Amount
| COJ Water Dom | 281 | 283 | 2.15 | R0.00
Are you not perhaps confused with the electricity charge? That electricity is unfortunately not for free.
Kind regards
Protea Metering
Another untrue statement that you are making...
The water charge on every single invoice is R0 because you have not once exceeded the free kl's for the month, please refer to all the invoices, and please see below extract from your latest invoice as an example:
| Item | Start reading | End Reading | Kl Consumed | Amount
| COJ Water Dom | 281 | 283 | 2.15 | R0.00
Are you not perhaps confused with the electricity charge? That electricity is unfortunately not for free.
Kind regards
Protea Metering
Protea Metering's reply26 May 2025, 15:29
Official
Good afternoon David
Another untrue statement that you are making...
The water charge on every single invoice is R0 because you have not once exceeded the free kl's for the month, please refer to all the invoices, and please see below extract from your latest invoice as an example:
| Item | Start reading | End Reading | Kl Consumed | Amount
| COJ Water Dom | 281 | 283 | 2.15 | R0.00
Are you not perhaps confused with the electricity charge? That electricity is unfortunately not for free.
Kind regards
Protea Metering
Another untrue statement that you are making...
The water charge on every single invoice is R0 because you have not once exceeded the free kl's for the month, please refer to all the invoices, and please see below extract from your latest invoice as an example:
| Item | Start reading | End Reading | Kl Consumed | Amount
| COJ Water Dom | 281 | 283 | 2.15 | R0.00
Are you not perhaps confused with the electricity charge? That electricity is unfortunately not for free.
Kind regards
Protea Metering
DT
David T's updateReviewer Update
26 May 2025, 15:43To whom it may concern,
It is deeply concerning to see the level of incompetence displayed by Protea Metering in your recent response regarding hot water charges. Let me make it clear — the issue at hand is not about hot water, but about incorrect billing and the application of the wrong tariff.
You are billing tenants incorrectly, particularly in relation to prepaid electricity charges. I urge you to read and understand the nature of the complaint before responding. Your explanations have been vague and do not address the real issue.
I have personally reviewed the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) tariff schedule, and none of the charges you’ve levied align with what is officially published. Please show exactly where your quoted charges appear on the CoJ tariff structure, because I have yet to find any such match.
This is a serious matter, and I am formally notifying you that I will be visiting your office in person, accompanied by representatives from both Nersa and the City of Johannesburg who are responsible for overseeing such matters.
You are advised to prepare all relevant documentation, including billing history and tariff breakdowns, ahead of this meeting.
It is deeply concerning to see the level of incompetence displayed by Protea Metering in your recent response regarding hot water charges. Let me make it clear — the issue at hand is not about hot water, but about incorrect billing and the application of the wrong tariff.
You are billing tenants incorrectly, particularly in relation to prepaid electricity charges. I urge you to read and understand the nature of the complaint before responding. Your explanations have been vague and do not address the real issue.
I have personally reviewed the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) tariff schedule, and none of the charges you’ve levied align with what is officially published. Please show exactly where your quoted charges appear on the CoJ tariff structure, because I have yet to find any such match.
This is a serious matter, and I am formally notifying you that I will be visiting your office in person, accompanied by representatives from both Nersa and the City of Johannesburg who are responsible for overseeing such matters.
You are advised to prepare all relevant documentation, including billing history and tariff breakdowns, ahead of this meeting.
DT
David T's update26 May 2025, 15:43
Reviewer Update
To whom it may concern,
It is deeply concerning to see the level of incompetence displayed by Protea Metering in your recent response regarding hot water charges. Let me make it clear — the issue at hand is not about hot water, but about incorrect billing and the application of the wrong tariff.
You are billing tenants incorrectly, particularly in relation to prepaid electricity charges. I urge you to read and understand the nature of the complaint before responding. Your explanations have been vague and do not address the real issue.
I have personally reviewed the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) tariff schedule, and none of the charges you’ve levied align with what is officially published. Please show exactly where your quoted charges appear on the CoJ tariff structure, because I have yet to find any such match.
This is a serious matter, and I am formally notifying you that I will be visiting your office in person, accompanied by representatives from both Nersa and the City of Johannesburg who are responsible for overseeing such matters.
You are advised to prepare all relevant documentation, including billing history and tariff breakdowns, ahead of this meeting.
It is deeply concerning to see the level of incompetence displayed by Protea Metering in your recent response regarding hot water charges. Let me make it clear — the issue at hand is not about hot water, but about incorrect billing and the application of the wrong tariff.
You are billing tenants incorrectly, particularly in relation to prepaid electricity charges. I urge you to read and understand the nature of the complaint before responding. Your explanations have been vague and do not address the real issue.
I have personally reviewed the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) tariff schedule, and none of the charges you’ve levied align with what is officially published. Please show exactly where your quoted charges appear on the CoJ tariff structure, because I have yet to find any such match.
This is a serious matter, and I am formally notifying you that I will be visiting your office in person, accompanied by representatives from both Nersa and the City of Johannesburg who are responsible for overseeing such matters.
You are advised to prepare all relevant documentation, including billing history and tariff breakdowns, ahead of this meeting.
Protea Metering's replyOfficial
06 Jun 2025, 11:10Good day David
You are welcome to make an appointment for a meeting where you will bring along the NERSA representative, and all the information that you have requested will be prepared & ready for the meeting.
We are looking forward to meet with you to clarify the billing according to the promulgated tariffs.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
You are welcome to make an appointment for a meeting where you will bring along the NERSA representative, and all the information that you have requested will be prepared & ready for the meeting.
We are looking forward to meet with you to clarify the billing according to the promulgated tariffs.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
Protea Metering's reply06 Jun 2025, 11:10
Official
Good day David
You are welcome to make an appointment for a meeting where you will bring along the NERSA representative, and all the information that you have requested will be prepared & ready for the meeting.
We are looking forward to meet with you to clarify the billing according to the promulgated tariffs.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering
You are welcome to make an appointment for a meeting where you will bring along the NERSA representative, and all the information that you have requested will be prepared & ready for the meeting.
We are looking forward to meet with you to clarify the billing according to the promulgated tariffs.
Kind regards,
Protea Metering