The Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has launched enforcement operations following reports of tampering and bypassing of newly installed smart prepaid electricity meters.
Municipal spokesperson Refilwe Mahlangu confirmed that the incidents remain isolated but said the municipality is treating them seriously.
“The Smart Metering System allows customers to better manage their electricity consumption while enabling the municipality to remotely monitor usage and detect possible tampering or bypassing,” Mahlangu said.
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“This technology is a key tool in combating electricity theft, which has long affected municipal revenue and the ability to meet financial obligations to Eskom.”
The municipality began rolling out the Prepaid Smart Electricity Metering Project in July as part of a National Treasury initiative to install more than 250 000 smart meters nationwide by 2027. The programme aims to help municipalities reduce mounting debt to Eskom, which now stands at nearly R100b nationally.
Following system alerts indicating possible tampering, Mogale City’s Electrical and Credit Control teams, working with Vodacom as the implementing agent, inspected several properties in Munsieville and Krugersdorp West on October 27 and 28.
“At one of the locations, there was evidence of attempted access to the meter without actual tampering,” Mahlangu said.
“However, at another property in Krugersdorp West, reportedly occupied by student tenants, clear evidence of tampering and bypassing was confirmed, resulting in the immediate disconnection of supply.”
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The municipality said penalties and corrective measures will follow in line with its approved tariffs and policies. These include:
• A R14 440 penalty (excluding VAT) for tampering or bypassing
• Submission of a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) before reconnection
• A R1 700 reconnection fee
• Recovery of the meter replacement cost, estimated at R6 000
Mahlangu urged residents to report tampering and electricity theft, adding that law-abiding customers make it possible for the municipality to deliver services efficiently.
