How do I open an account for water and electricity?

Rates accounts will automatically be created in your name as the new property owner as soon as transfer is registered at the Deeds Office. (Refuse and sanitation will also be linked to this account.) Please remember that there's a delay of around 10 weeks from date of transfer to the date the information is received by us and updated in our system.

When opening a new account, please bring with you

• A valid ID book;
• If you are a tenant, the owner or his proxy must co-sign the application for services, a certified copy or original copy of the owner/proxy's ID book, and a certified copy of the lease agreement, stating date of occupation;
• Your Offer to Purchase, if the transfer has not yet taken place at the Deeds Office; and
• In the event that you as a new owner want to open an account for a new property, a copy of the Surveyor General's (SG) diagram (usually obtained from the developer).

How do I apply for a refund?

All requests for refunds must be in writing. If a property was sold, an attorney's letter must be sent to us. (Please note: All refunds from property sales are refunded to the transferring attorney.) A request for Finalisation of a Services account form must be completed. For refunds on overpayments (both active and inactive accounts), please call Joburg Connect 011 375 5555 and log a call. You'll be given a reference number. Alternatively, go to your nearest Customer Service Centre. For a refund on rates - as per the transferring attorney's instruction Refund for a water & electricity - to account holder unless otherwise instructed by transferring attorney.

When do you issue a refund?

• After finalisation of a service account.
• After an overpayment or credit was passed on an account.
• When an account is closed and the deposit is requested. (However, this deposit will first be used to offset any outstanding money on the relevant account. If the account is in credit, the money can be refunded to the account holder.)
• When an owner sells his/her property and the account is in credit after the property was registered in the new owner's name.

How do I apply for a Clearance Certificate, and from where?

You need to complete a prescribed application form and your attorney applies on your behalf. This is the process that takes place:

1. An attorney has to apply for rates clearance figures. Clearance figures are valid for a minimum period of five months.
2. All arrear amounts for the two years preceding the date of application on the owner and tenant accounts will be included in the clearance figures.
3. All outstanding amounts must be paid before Clearance Certificates will be issued.
   Only bank guaranteed cheques, attorney's trust cheques, and cash will be accepted as payment on the clearance figures.
   Payments should only be made at Thuso House, 61 Jorissen St., Braamfontein.
4. The certificate will be issued within 24 hours upon payment of outstanding amounts.

What type of queries can be handled immediately at Joburg Connect?

• Account balance enquiries.
• Requesting of statements.
• Change of address.
• Phone in readings.
• Payment related queries.
• Deposit information.
• Change of contact details e.g. phone, mobile and email.

Can I pay my account online?

Yes, set up the City of Johannesburg as a beneficiary through your Internet banking facility. Click on Add New Beneficiary and choose from the Bank Approved Beneficiary list, under the letter C. Our bank is Absa and our account number is 4054398463.

What is eServices?

eServices is designed to make your life easier by providing online access to a range of services for both the individual and business within the City, including

• viewing of your electricity and water accounts;
• receive your statement by e-mail;
• enter your meter readings online;
• log and query a problem online;
• update your billing address online; and
• download forms.