Cap Nord demands more quality of service from Saur

Martinique Water Bills Skyrocket: Saur Unveils Plan to Correct Errors Affecting Hundreds

SAINTE-MARIE, MARTINIQUE – November 8, 2023 – A wave of shock and concern has swept through parts of Martinique as residents report receiving water bills reaching tens of thousands of euros. Today, a joint press conference led by Bruno Nestor Azerot, President of Cap Nord, local mayors, and Maxence Mirabeau, Director of Saur, addressed the crisis, promising swift action and relief for affected customers. This is a developing story, and Archyde is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold. This situation highlights the importance of vigilant bill monitoring and understanding your utility rights.

The Root of the Problem: A Faulty Handover

According to Saur, the issue stems from an incomplete and delayed customer data file provided by the previous water provider, Société Martiniquaise des Eaux (SME). Mirabeau clarified that these aren’t simply “overcharges,” but rather bills reflecting abnormally high amounts due to inaccurate consumption data. Approximately 1.2% of subscribers – around 500 people – are currently impacted. “The reason for these abnormal amounts is the subscriber file that was transmitted to us by the outgoing delegate to the SME which was incomplete for some subscribers,” Mirabeau explained. This isn’t just a local issue; data transfer problems during utility transitions are surprisingly common, often leading to billing discrepancies and customer frustration. It underscores the need for standardized data protocols in the utility sector.

Immediate Action: Suspended Bills & Dedicated Support

Saur has taken immediate steps to mitigate the impact on affected customers. All disputed bills have been suspended, and no further collection efforts will be made. The company is prioritizing individual meetings with those impacted to review their accounts and establish accurate consumption figures. Recognizing the difficulty customers have had reaching support, Saur has hired five additional staff members to handle the influx of calls. A dedicated email address will be released shortly for streamlined case management. This proactive approach is crucial for rebuilding trust with customers and demonstrating a commitment to resolving the issue.

New Meter Readings & Trimestral Billing Explained

To ensure accuracy, Saur will conduct new on-site meter readings across the Cap Nord region. These readings will be used to reconcile bills with actual water usage. Furthermore, residents are now receiving bills on a quarterly basis, a change from previous billing cycles. Saur acknowledges this shift may have caused confusion and will be sending a letter to all subscribers explaining the new system and offering an apology for any inconvenience. Understanding your billing cycle is a fundamental aspect of managing household finances, and staying informed about changes is key.

Long-Term Oversight & Resolution Timeline

Cap Nord is taking a long-term view of the situation, having hired a dedicated technician to monitor the resolution process. Saur anticipates that the issue will be fully resolved by the end of January. A follow-up assessment will be conducted at that time to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented solutions. This commitment to ongoing monitoring demonstrates a dedication to preventing similar issues in the future.

The situation in Martinique serves as a valuable lesson for communities undergoing utility transitions. Proactive data verification, transparent communication, and responsive customer support are essential for a smooth and equitable handover. Archyde will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available, offering insights and resources to help you navigate the complexities of utility billing and consumer rights. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for the latest developments and expert analysis on this and other important news stories.