Utility bills to be estimated as PUC restricts meter readers’ movements amid Covid-19 pandemic |06 January 2021
Mr Zialor (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
The Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) have announced that in view of the restriction of movement as a result of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country, all water and electricity bills across the board during that period will be estimated as the meter readers will not be on the field to read the meters.
It was the corporation’s chief commercial officer, Michel Zialor, who made the statement during a press conference held yesterday morning at the Electricity House, Roche Caiman.
He said that PUC has taken the decision as a precautionary measure for the safety its staff and customers while continuing to provide the service during the pandemic.
Mr Zialor said that the estimated bills for all households, businesses and offices will be based on an average consumption for the last three months and they will be posted to customers.
He further said that while the bills will be estimated, customers will also have the option of taking their own readings and to post them online through PUC email address at customerservices@puc.sc or on its whatsApp number 2829146 where they will get to know the cost of their utilities.
He claimed that tourism establishments are not being affected for the time being given the fact that their meter readings are taken at the end of the month but they will follow suit if the situation remains the same or take a turn for the worse.
He noted that in case of overcharging during estimation, PUC will refund the overcharge and if there is a case of undercharge, the company will charge back the excess that has been used. Customers who will be most affected from the meter reading service will be those whose meter readings would be done between January 4 to January 14, 2021, which falls within the restriction of movement period.
He said that if the situation gets better and the restriction of movement is lifted, the meter readers will be on the field once again as usual in the different regions on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as from February 2021 but will continue as is if the Covid-19 situation in the country persists.
With regard to bills payment, Mr Zialor explained that all of PUC’s customer service centres and payment counters (excluding the Providence customer services centre which is closed until further notice) on all three islands will remain open during weekdays, Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 4pm on Mahé and 8.15am to 3pm on Praslin and La Digue.
He also urged the public to as much as possible use the PUC customer online portal and other available online platforms for payments so as to limit physical contact at payment counters.
He also advised customers to consume their utilities moderately, especially electricity, to avoid high charges on their bills.
He said that equipment such as electric oven, air condition, electric kettle and the constant opening and closing of refrigerators, among some other electrical equipment, contribute to an increase in electricity bills.
It is to be noted that the Seychelles Energy Board (Seb) has increased electricity tariffs by 30 cents for the first quarter of 2021 and that is for the period January to March.
Patrick Joubert