The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a stern warning to residents against tampering with electricity meters, making illegal connections, or purchasing ghost tokens, saying offenders face punitive fines, service disconnections and possible prosecution.

According to the city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, these unlawful practices place a severe strain on municipal resources, compromise public safety, and disrupt service delivery to paying customers.

“Illegal connections and meter tampering not only damage infrastructure such as substations but also drive up operational costs, ultimately exhausting the city’s budget prematurely.”

Also read: Kempton Park resident in trouble after tenant tampers with electricity meter

Costly consequences for tampering
Residents caught tampering with their meters will be charged a minimum of R5 566.07, covering the removal and reinstatement of connections, as well as materials, labour and transport.

Repeat offenders face escalating penalties:

• Second offence: Penalty fee is doubled.

• Third offence: Penalty fee is tripled.

• Fourth offence: Permanent removal of the electricity connection, with all related costs added to the customer’s account.

In addition to financial penalties, offenders may also face prosecution under municipal by-laws and national legislation.

Ghost tokens and scams
The city has also warned residents against purchasing electricity tokens from unauthorised sellers or digital platforms. These so-called “cheap tokens” are scams and will not be honoured.

Consumers are urged to only purchase electricity through the City of Ekurhuleni, Eskom, or NERSA-compliant resellers, whose tokens are available at accredited retailers.

Support for struggling households
Recognising that some households face financial challenges, the City reminded residents about its Indigent Support Programme.

“Eligible households can apply for relief that provides free or subsidised electricity each month, depending on municipal policies and budget availability,” said Dlamini.

Applications can be made at any Customer Care Centre or through the City’s official website: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.