City Power disconnected over 120 housing units with bypassed prepaid meters in in Kliptown Square, Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
City Power disconnected over 120 housing units with bypassed prepaid meters in Kliptown Square, Johannesburg.
The newly-installed prepaid meters were disconnected on Wednesday and penalties were imposed.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena said the utility received a tip-off from residents regarding meter tampering following the updating process of meters in November 2024.
City Power disconnected over 120 housing units with bypassed prepaid meters in in Kliptown Square, Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
"The meters affected were removed by our technical team, along with the circuit breakers, ensuring that these customers do not illegally reconnect their power supply.
"Penalties have also been imposed on the customers who tampered with their meters, with a fine of more than R14,000 for single-phase connections," he said.
Mangena said penalties can potentially exceed R30,000 for houses with three-phase connections.
"Today’s (Wednesday) operation serves as a stern warning to those who continue to bypass their meters within our supply areas."
Mangena added that the utility has repeatedly warned customers about the consequences of meter tampering, yet some individuals continue to engage in this illegal activity.
"We want to make it clear that City Power will no longer tolerate this behaviour. All our customers are required to pay for the electricity they consume, and bypassing meters not only undermines the system but also puts additional strain on the entire community and could potentially lead to safety risks for residents within the complex," he said.
City Power disconnected over 120 housing units with bypassed prepaid meters in in Kliptown Square, Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
He said as part of the utility's ongoing effort to discourage electricity theft, City Power will intensify similar operations and conduct further audits to follow up on customers involved in meter bypassing across all eight Service Delivery Centres areas.
"We urge customers not to pay any technician, contractor, or individual to bridge their meters as this will lead to serious consequences. If anyone demands cash payments or offers illegal service connection, we strongly advise that they be reported immediately to our City Power Security Risk Management team on 011 490 7900/7911 or send a WhatsApp message to 083 579 4497," concluded Mangena.
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