As part of the City of Ekurhuleni’s ongoing Fixing the Frontline programme, energy officials are intensifying efforts to curb electricity theft, a practice that undermines financial sustainability and poses serious safety risks to communities.

City Energy engineers have explained that some businesses illegally bypass electricity meters to avoid paying for consumption.

This often involves tampering with meter boxes or creating unauthorised connections that circumvent the metering system entirely.

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As a result, electricity is consumed without being recorded or billed, leading to significant revenue losses and increased strain on the municipal network.

Electricity theft is illegal and extremely dangerous. It endangers the lives of workers and nearby residents and negatively affects the City’s ability to deliver reliable services.

To address this, the City is conducting inspections, disconnections and enforcement operations to ensure all electricity consumers pay their fair share.

Businesses found with unauthorised connections are urged to regularise their electricity accounts to avoid penalties and possible prosecution.

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“Electricity theft is a criminal offence. We encourage all businesses to comply with regulations and work with the City to ensure safe and legal electricity use,” said a City Energy spokesperson.

The Fixing the Frontline initiative continues to focus on improving efficiency, safety and sustainability across municipal services, while protecting residents and promoting lawful electricity consumption.