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Author: Chantel Edwards

George on track for Smart City with new Smart Water Meters

Celebrating the first 2000 Smart Ultrasonic Water Meters to be installed are from left Dhasi Naidoo, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer Ontec Systems; Charles Jackson, Senior Manager Operations Ontec Systems; Deon De Jager, Deputy Director Water and Sanitation, Civil Engineering Services;  Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk; Jacobus Lane, Assistant Supervisor Water Networks, Civil Engineering Services; Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor Civil Engineering Services; Pieter  Erasmus, Associate Specialist, Zutari,; Petrus van Heerden, Regional Manager Africa Kamstrup; Ithriam Leukes, Business Development Manager Ontec Systems; Sumeshin Naidoo, CEO Sigfox South Africa; Mark Wearing, Operations Coordinator Ontec Systems; Niel Van Der Westhuizen, Civil Technologist, Zutari and Riaan van Jaarsveld, Business Development Manager Ontec Systems.

Striving towards the goal of becoming a Smart City the George Municipality has embarked on an initiative to drastically improve customer service delivery and revenue collection while reducing the overall revenue and non-revenue associated with water losses. New smart ultrasonic water meters will be installed throughout George over a period of three to four years.

The first 2000 meters are expected to be installed by early April this year and the initial areas include Blanco, Heather park, Dormehlsdrift and George South. Approximately 10 000 meters will be installed initially with an engineering consultant firm (Zutari) appointed to assist with the process and certify each smart water meter following installation.

Council agreed on a strategy to address ageing infrastructure and this included addressing water leaks and meter readings. The tender for the project was awarded to Ontec Systems  and will allow for the new, Kamstrup ultrasonic SMART water meters to be installed by replacing the existing meter, and at the same time provides an opportunity for various issues to be addressed by  plumbing teams as they do the installations. Homeowners will be contacted by the installation teams should there be any issues regarding access to the existing meter in terms of its location.

The SMART meters are not pre-paid water meters and will not disconnect consumer’s water supply. Actual live consumption data is sent via a radio signal to the service provider Sigfox South Africa and the municipality can access the Ontec Pyxis Platform webpage with the live data per meter. Chief Strategy Officer for Ontec, Dhasi Naidoo says “these SMART water meters enable a multitude of benefits for both George Municipality and it’s citizens by automating its meter reading and billing cycle, providing daily consumption monitoring, trend analysis, leak and burst alarm notifications for consumers to better control and manage their water consumption. It will also enable George Municipality with additional operational capabilities for faster reaction to water losses and holistic water usage management.” The technology enables the municipality to construct a complete overview of water production, distributed and consumed to accurately identify and remedy leakages to limit water losses.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk applauded the use of new technology to simplify municipal processes at a meet and greet yesterday, 14 March 2023, with the full team of service providers linked to this ambitious project. “We are banking on this new meter to simplify the process of meter reading and to increase accuracy. Considering water is our most precious and scarce resource, these Smart Water meters can add immense value in terms of water theft and abuse management through early IT notifications and alerts, and with no moving parts have an expected 15-year constant accuracy lifespan. George continues to lead by example with this project and it is one more step towards achieving the goal of George being a Smart City.”

Challenges experienced by the George Municipality in the past with the original meters include unreliable billing data, infrequent and inconsistent account invoices and delivery, extended collection cycles and debit accumulation, inaccurate reporting of household’s consumption, vandalism, no access, excessive leaking and wastages, and the reporting process for faulty water meters and account queries will become a thing of the past.

As a resident you benefit from this technology as well – you can receive daily water meter readings of your actual household water consumption directly on your cellphone giving you the ability to monitor and control your households water consumption. The early leak alarm warning saves on water waste and the accompanying financial penalties as you can set your usage threshold on a daily and monthly basis to prevent any billing surprises. The near real-time consumption allows you to understand exactly where and when you are using water.

As the resident you will receive high usage warnings via SMS and Email enabling you to act immediately. Residents will have access to the My George Home Page http://george.ontec.co.za track their own daily water consumption, respond to leakage alerts and manage multiple meters in one space.

 

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE: Service delivery will continue on Monday  

George Municipality notes reports of a planned “national shutdown” on Monday 20 March 2023. The municipality does not condone threats of violence, looting and intimidation. We do support the right to gather and protest peacefully.

The George Traffic, Law Enforcement and Fire Services departments are on alert in collaboration with SAPS, POPS, Neighbourhood Watches and other relevant stakeholders involved in safety and security.

The municipality remains open on Monday 20 March 2023, and municipal service delivery will continue.

SWITCHBOARD: 044 801 9111 (7.45am-4.30pm)
AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

PUBLIC NOTICE: MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS PAYMENT – Shoprite Checkers no longer a payment option

PLEASE NOTE!
Shoprite Checkers no longer accepts payments for municipal accounts for George Municipality with immediate effect.

NEW PAYMENT BANNER ON MUNICIPAL WEBSITE MAKES PAYMENT SIMPLE AND EASY
George Municipality has installed a brand new Pay Your Account banner on the municipal website – pay your account with one click! www.george.gov.za

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONSAccounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via Unipay, by clicking on the QR code on your statement, Pick ‘n Pay, Woolworths, BOXER, GAME, SPAR and Pep.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

If you do not have a printed account, ensure that you have the 20 digit number written down to provide the teller with.Ratepayers in Uniondale can get hard copies of their accounts and pay at the Uniondale Post Office, Pep Stores and Uniondale Municipal Office, 39 Voortrekker Steet. To register you can email accounts@george.gov.za or phone 044 752 1024 for more information. In Haarlem ratepayers can get hard copies and pay their accounts at the Haarlem Municipal Office, 99 Berg Street, to register you can email accounts@george.gov.za  or phone 044 763 1013.

Bank details for electronic payment:
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment is to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

UPDATE YOUR DETAILS USING OUR SIMPLE FORM ON OUR WEBSITE
A reminder that accounts are no longer issued by post, they are only emailed to residents. Update your details quickly and simply with our new form, simply click on the Banner Update Your Details on the municipal website www.george.gov.za

Other options to access your Account

  • A hard copy of your monthly account can be printed at the cash hall of the Municipality’s main building situated at 71 York Street or our Area Offices in BLANCO, CONVILLE, PACALTSDORP, NEW DAWN PARK, ROSEMOOR, PROTEA PARK, TOUWSRANTEN as well as the Thembalethu and Waboomskraal Thusong Centres on request.
  • Ratepayers can VIEW and PAY  their accounts by clicking on the Unipay link www.unipay.co.za or by scanning the QR code on their account.
  • Ratepayers can still VIEW their Account Totals on the George Municipal App at https://george.comunity.me/p/george/  – currently you are not able to Pay or Print via the APP.
  • Phone in on 044 801 9009/4/17 or 044 801 9135 or 044 801 9518. Please provide your GRG account number and contact details (email address, telephone number) with all enquiries.

OVERDUE DEBT WILL BE RECOVERED THROUGH PREPAID METER SYSTEM
Residents are advised to take note that any overdue debts owing to the municipality, will be recovered through the prepaid electricity meter system, as per the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy. This means that if you have not paid your account in fulL, when you purchase prepaid electrical units from a vendor, at least 50% of your overdue debt  will be paid off by your purchase, and the remaining amount will reflect as pre-paid electricity units.

HOW TO CHECK WHAT YOUR OVERDUE DEBT IS?
If you are not sure what your overdue debt is, please phone in to  044 801 9009/4/17 or 044 801 9135 or 044 801 9518. Provide your GRG account number and contact details (email address, telephone number) with all enquiries. A duplicate statement can also be requested at accounts@george.gov.za. Payment is due by the 15th of the following month.

DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT
Payment is due by the 15th of the following month. If you haven’t received a statement by the 15th, it is suggested you pay an average amount, request an account via email or check your account totals on the George Municipality Mobile Application (App). A duplicate statement can also be requested at accounts@george.gov.za. Please provide your GRG account number on request.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 14 March

Load Shedding stage 4 will continue until 05:00 15/03/2023.
Load Shedding stage 3 to be implemented from 05:00 15/03/2023 to 16:00 15/03/2023.
Load Shedding stage 4 to be implemented from 16:00 15/03/2023 to 05:00 16/03/2023.
Load Shedding will alternate like this until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 14/03/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 16/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 17/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 14/03/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 16/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 17/03/2023
1:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30


SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the After-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

 

WATER OUTAGE -LAWAAIKAMP, 13 March @ 19h46

Lawaaikamp water network upgrades today resulted in a pipe failure on one of the main water supply pipelines. Water interuptions may be expected in the Lawaaikamp area.

Standby teams will work throughout the night to restore the water supply to the affected areas.

Two water trucks will roam Lawaaikamp until 10pm tonight and again from 5am tomorrow morning.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

 

WATER QUALITY – HAARLEM, 13 March

 

Haarlem: Routine Maintenance on storage reservoirs may result in some colouring of the water discharged into the water distribution and reticulation network. The maintenance and colour may last for two to three days. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Please note the Water is safe for domestic use.

Issued George Municipality

*ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 13 March @ 14h00*

Due to some recovery in the generation capacity over the past 24 hours, Stage 4 loadshedding will continue until further notice. Eskom will provide an update as soon as any significant changes occur.

*George will be affected as follows:*
Monday 13/03/2023

16:00 – 18:30

Tuesday 14/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 16/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 17/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*
Monday 13/03/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday 14/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 16/03/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 17/03/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

*SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!*
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

*Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding*
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

*Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding*
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

*Reporting power outages*
Please do not phone the After-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

PUBLIC NOTICE 1: ELECTRICAL TARIFFS (AMP LIMIT) – Phase 2 of Power Limit Adjustment Project

The George Municipality embarked on process to phase in a new electricity tariff structure. This process started on 1 July last year, and is in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved cost of supply study for George as well as the municipal Electricity Pricing Policy. The municipality has been effecting these changes in a variety of ways so as to limit the impact on our consumers as far as possible.

PHASE ONE ROLLOUT – has included to date:

  • Consumers were provided with an opportunity to select their Amperage capacity, in line with their household power requirement.
  • Consumers who had not yet made a selection for their capacity (AMPS) by 1 July 2022, were then placed on a capacity selected by the municipality. The capacity selection is based on the consumers historic consumption (12 months prior). The option remains open for these consumers to make a change and select their own capacity.
  • George Municipality has sent out field teams to visit residents at home and implement the changes, where for example a resident has applied and chosen a capacity for their house; and/or where no selection was made and the municipality then applied a capacity based on historic consumption.
  • Consumers were also given the opportunity to make a capacity selection while a field team was at their home – so doing to minimise the impact of a Consumer making a choice which then does not work for them and having to get the field team in back to make a change again.
  • Communication through various platforms continued to request consumers to make their selection timeously.

Thousands of Consumers have had the Capacity (AMPS) addressed through either their own selection OR by the municipal capacity selection. George Municipality has already successfully implemented power limit adjustments on thousands of it’s prepaid meter base, through the work done by field staff following the applications received from consumers for a specific capacity or by the municipality making the decision for Phase 1 power limit based on historic consumption. The field teams will continue to go out weekly to do Amperage limit roll-out and site inspections on prepaid meters.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Consumers who have already made their selection will NOT be affected by Phase 2 of the Power Limit Adjustment Project.

What about Consumers who have not yet made a selection?
The consumers who have not made a selection yet or who are not happy with the selection made by the municipality based on historical consumption, are encouraged to do so speedily on the details shared below. The first and most preferred option is always for our consumer to select the capacity their require. Consumers are allowed one opportunity per financial year to make such a change in capacity.

PHASE TWO ROLLOUT – POWER LIMIT ADJUSTMENT PROJECT will take place as follows:
From the 1st April 2023, the municipality will Apply the following Capacity Selection based on the historic consumption:

  •  If consumer had a 12 month average historic monthly consumption of above 400 units (kWh) and below 600 units (kWh), the consumer will be placed on a 30A;
  •  If consumer had a 12 month average historic monthly consumption of above 600 units (kWh) the consumer will be placed on a 40A;
  • Indigents consumer will not be impacted by this phase, as all indigent consumers are dealt with in line with the Indigent Policy.
  • All consumer who have already made their selections will not be impacted.

    Key Reminders on the applicable Electrical Tariffs are:
  • Small Domestic and Commercial tariffs (that is Prepaid and conventionally metered Consumers) are linked to the capacity limit of supply they choose.
  • Consumers who are willing to manage their loads within a capacity limited to 20 Amps Single Phase are offered a subsidised tariff with no fixed charges.
  • All Consumers who require more than 20 Amp capacity are charged a phased-in Cost Reflective Tariff with:
    – a Fixed Basic Charge,
    – a Capacity Charge depending on the capacity limit of the supply and
    – a lower Energy Charge.
  • Bulk consumers have all been moved to a Time of Use tariff.
  • Small Scale Energy Generators (SSEG) consumers are subject to fixed and Time of Use energy charges. Further information on understanding the potential electricity cost and management of loads, and how to make a decision about the capacity you can choose will be provided.Bear this in mind when making your choice:
  • Capacity selection by the municipality based on the consumers historic consumption was for a financial break-even to reduce the impact on the customer and not necessarily to confirm the capacity required.
  • The Municipality cannot determine the optimal capacity required with the available meter data, therefore consumers must determine what their energy and capacity requirements are.
  • The municipality has noted that customers are selecting the capacity as low as possible to reduce cost without understanding the implications. This is evident by the number of upgrades required once a selection is implemented. Please consider your selection carefully.Do you want to discuss your energy consumption and find out what the best Capacity will be for your needs, phone 044 801 9243, have your Municipal Account Number and Prepaid Meter Number handy OR email your query to elec.applications@george.gov.za

Link to Application Form to Select Capacity
Link to Bulk Demand Application Form
Link to Excel Calculator – establish how many units you will receive for cash value and do the comparisons with selection of either 30/40/50 or 60 Amps
https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Elec-Tariff-Easy-Customer-test.xlsx

Note: The excel spreadsheet must be downloaded from the link and enabled for editing. It will not work on cellphones that do not have Excel Viewer (XLXS Reader)

GO GEORGE TRIAL DRIVES THROUGH THEMBALETHU

In preparation for the roll-out of the GO GEORGE bus service to Thembalethu, test drives through the area are currently taking place, supported and monitored by local law enforcement agencies, including the SA Police Service and the traffic department.

During these drives, undertaken in different sizes of GO GEORGE buses, the real time it takes to complete the various proposed routes by bus will be established and checked against the proposed timetables.

GO GEORGE-TOETSRITTE DEUR THEMBALETHU

Toetsritte ter voorbereiding van die uitrol van die GO GEORGE-busdiens na Thembalethu vind tans in die gebied plaas, ondersteun en gemonitor deur plaaslike wetstoepassingsagentskappe, insluitend die SA Polisiediens en die verkeersdepartement.

Tydens hierdie ritte wat in verskillende groottes GO GEORGE-busse onderneem word, sal die werklike tyd wat dit neem om die verskillende voorgestelde roetes per bus te voltooi, vasgestel en aan die hand van die voorgestelde roosters nagegaan word.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                    78,07
Rainfall for last 7 days:                                                                   55.4 mm
(Measured up to and including 6 March 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 27 February

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 76,31
Rainfall for last 7 days: 23mm (Measured up to and including 27 February 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 26 FEB @ 20H30

Sunday, 26 February 2023: Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until 16:00 on Monday afternoon, whereafter Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 – 05:00 on Tuesday morning. Loadshedding will then be reduced to Stage 3 at 05:00 – 16:00 on both Tuesday and Wednesday, while Stage 4 will be implemented during 16:00 – 05:00 on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 05:00 **
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 01/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 15:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 26/02/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 01/03/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

 

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 26Feb @ 09h22


Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 09:00 on Sunday morning – until further notice.

*George will be affected as follows:*
Sunday 26/02/2023
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*
Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

 

 

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 25 Feb @ 19h43

Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Sunday morning- until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 26/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 22:30 **

Monday 27/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
02:00 – 06:30 **
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Saturday 25/02/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 01:30 **

Monday 27/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 28/02/2023
05:00 – 09:30 **
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Overdue municipal debt will be recovered via Prepaid Meter System

OVERDUE DEBT WILL BE RECOVERED THROUGH PREPAID METER SYSTEM
Residents are advised to take note that any overdue debts owing to the municipality, will be recovered through the prepaid electricity meter system, as per the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy. This means that if you have not paid your account in full of the municipality, when you purchase prepaid electrical units from a vendor, 50% of your overdue debt will be paid off by your purchase, and the remaining amount will reflect as pre-paid electricity units.

HOW TO CHECK WHAT YOUR OVERDUE DEBT IS?
If you are not sure what your overdue debt is, please phone in to 044 801 9009/4/17 or 044 801 9135 or 044 801 9518. Provide your GRG account number and contact details (email address, telephone number) with all enquiries. A duplicate statement can also be requested at accounts@george.gov.za. Payment is due by the 15th of the following month.

HOW TO PAY YOUR ACCOUNT
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), Unipay, by clicking on the QR code on your statement, Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave, SPAR and Pep. Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Bank details for electronic payment:
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment is to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

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AGTERSTALLIGE SKULD SAL DEUR VOORAFBETAALDE METER STELSEL VERHAAL WORD
Inwoners word aangeraai om kennis te neem dat enige agterstallige skuld wat aan die munisipaliteit verskuldig is, deur die voorafbetaalde elektrisiteitsmeterstelsel verhaal sal word, ooreenkomstig die Kredietbeheer- en Skuldinvorderingsbeleid. Dit beteken dat indien u nie u rekening ten volle aan die munisipaliteit betaal het nie, wanneer u voorafbetaalde elektriese eenhede van ‘n verkoper koop, 50% van hierdie bedrag aan u agterstallige skuld afbetaal sal word, en die oorblywende bedrag sal as vooruitbetaalde elektrisiteit eenhede weerspieël word.

HOE OM UIT TE VIND WAT U AGTERSTALLIGE SKULD BELOOP?
Indien u nie seker is wat u agterstallige skuld is nie, bel asseblief 044 801 9009/4/17 of 044 801 9135 of 044 801 9518. Verskaf jou GRG-rekeningnommer en kontakbesonderhede (e-posadres, telefoonnommer) met alle navrae. ’n Duplikaatstaat kan ook aangevra word by accounts@george.gov.za Betalings is teen die 15de van die volgende maand betaalbaar.

HOE OM JOU REKENING TE BETAAL
Rekeninge kan betaal word deur elektroniese oorplasing (EFT – sien besonderhede hieronder), Unipay, deur op die QR-kode op jou staat, Pick ’n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave, SPAR en Pep te klik. Neem asseblief jou mees onlangse beskikbare rekeningstaat saam met jou sodat die winkel toegang kan kry tot die strepieskode wat jou betaling aan jou GRG-rekeningnommer koppel.

Bankbesonderhede vir elektroniese betaling:
Eerste Nasionale Bank (ENB)
Rekeningtipe: Openbare Sektor Tjekrekening
Rekeningnaam: George Munisipaliteit
Rekeningnommer: 62869623150
Takkode: 210554
Swift-kode: FIRNZAJJ
Verwysing: jou GRG rekeningnommer
Bewys van betaling moet gestuur word aan payments@george.gov.za

PUBLIC NOTICE: RATES AND SERVICES: VALUATION ROLL

The General Valuation Roll is a document containing the municipal valuations of all the registered properties within the boundaries of the Greater George municipal area and is used to calculate the rates that property owners are required to pay. You are able to object to your property valuation during the objection period.

The General Valuation Roll gives the market value of a property on a certain date. It applies to residential, agricultural and commercial properties and is used to calculate the monthly rates that property owners are required to pay for services such as street lighting, parks, libraries, fire services, etc.

The valuation of an estimated 54 000 properties in the greater George area forms part of the General Valuation process of the George Municipality. The George Municipality uses a service provider, DDP Valuers (Pty) Ltd that uses an array of information-gathering methods including analyzing aerial photographs, site visits and neighborhood drive-throughs.

The process to compile the general valuation roll, is completed. The final General Valuation Roll will be published for comment from 9 February 2023 to 31 March 2023. At the same time, stakeholders will be given the opportunity to lodge objections, if deemed necessary. The objection process is followed by a valuation appeal process. The General Valuation Roll will be implemented on 1 July 2023.

Ratepayers must verify their valuations, as it would affect the rates they pay on their own properties as well as the overall rate calculations for the city. It is a great opportunity for citizens to engage with the Municipality to ensure that their properties are correctly valued.

Please follow this link to access the valuation documentation on our website https://www.george.gov.za/finance-cat/financial-reports-cat/valuation-documents/

For more information contact: Valuations on 044 801 9111 or valuations@george.gov.za or visit www.george.gov.za

PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING: TARIEWE EN DIENSTE: WAARDASIEROL

Die Algemene Waardasierol is ‘n dokument wat die munisipale waardasies van al die geregistreerde eiendomme binne die grense van die Groter George munisipale gebied bevat en word gebruik om die tariewe wat eiendomseienaars moet betaal te bereken. U kan gedurende die beswaarperiode beswaar maak teen u eiendomswaardasie.

Die Algemenie van ‘n geraamde 54 000 eiendomme in die groter George-gebied vorm deel van die Algemene Waardasieproses van die George Munisipaliteit. Die George Munisipaliteit gebruik ‘n diensverskaffer, DDP Valuers (Edms) Bpk. wat ‘n verskeidenheid inligting-insamelingsmetodes gebruik, insluitend die ontleding van lugfoto’s, terreinbesoeke en deurrye in die buurt. Die proses om die algemene waardasierol saam te stel, is voltooi.

Die finale Algemene Waardasierol sal vir kommentaar gepubliseer word vanaf 9 Februarie 2023 tot 31 Maart 2023. Terselfdertyd sal belastingbetalers die geleentheid gebied word om besware aan te teken, indien nodig geag. Die beswaarproses word gevolg deur ‘n appèlproses vir waardasie. Die Algemene Waardasierol sal op 1 Julie 2023 geïmplementeer word.

Belastingbetalers moet hul waardasies verifieer, aangesien dit die tariewe wat hulle op hul eie eiendomme betaal, sowel as die algehele tariefberekeninge vir die stad sal beïnvloed. Dit is ‘n wonderlike geleentheid vir burgers om met die Munisipaliteit te skakel om te verseker dat hul eiendomme korrek gewaardeer word.

Volg hierdie skakel vir toegang tot die waardasiedokumentasie op ons webwerf https://www.george.gov.za/finance-cat/financial-reports-cat/valuation-documents/

Vir meer inligting kontak: Waardasies by 044 801 9111 of valuations@george.gov.za of besoek www.george.gov.za

WATER OUTAGE – BLANCO

The 450mm GRP water line that provides Blanco with water has burst. Adjustments have been made on the network to redirect water to the area.

Water Trucks are on standby should any areas not have water.
Please report to 044 801 9262 or 801 9266 if you do not have any water.
Low water pressure can be expected with the network adjustments.

ETR is to be established and updates will be provided.

#ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, 21 February @ 12h45

Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for George:

Tuesday 21/02/2023
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 22/02/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 00:30 **

Thursday 23/02/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 00:30 **

Friday 24/02/2023
04:00 – 08:30 **
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 25/02/2023
02:00 – 06:30 **
10:00 – 14:30 **
18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 26/02/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 14:30 **
18:00 – 22:30 **

Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for Uniondale:

Tuesday 21/02/2023
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 22/02/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30 **

Thursday 23/02/2023
01:00 – 03:30 **
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30 **

Friday 24/02/2023
01:00 – 03:30 **
07:00 – 11:30 **
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 25/02/2023
05:00 – 09:30 **
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 26/02/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 01:30 **

URGENT! URGENT!
PLEASE TAKE NOTE – Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4 hour slot). Please do not switch on all of your appliances as soon as power returns. This causes massive surges which can means areas can trip further delaying your return of power. Eskom has requested Municipality’s to switch on in sections due to high usage when power returns. This will greatly delay the switching on process.