KwaDukuza municipality has completed a full audit of all large-power-user electricity installations, uncovering 118 customers who will now be back-billed for under-recorded usage.

Mayor Siduduzo Gumede announced the milestone during a press briefing on Tuesday, marking his first 100 days in office since assuming the role on August 29. The briefing covered service delivery progress, key challenges and the municipality’s action plan to combat maladministration and revenue loss.

Gumede said the audits are part of a broader drive to ensure every unit of electricity bought from Eskom is properly recorded and paid for.

“This marks a major turning point in our fight against electricity losses,” he said.

Many of the 493 large power users in KwaDukuza had previously gone unmonitored due to outdated or faulty metering systems. These users account for the majority of electricity consumption in the municipality.

To improve monitoring, 314 customers have already been connected to an automatic meter reading system that provides accurate remote readings. The remaining installations, which require specialised equipment, will be addressed in the next financial year.

More than 36 000 small users are also being reviewed. Over 38 000 premises will be visited to verify customer details and ensure proper billing. A newly launched revenue protection unit, with a staff complement of 23, is cleaning up customer data and flagging irregularities.

More than 6 000 prepaid meters are being replaced through an amnesty programme, improving accuracy and restoring trust in the system.

To reduce technical losses, Eskom check meters have been installed and connected to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring system, with further installations under way. Work is progressing on transformer and feeder meter configuration to better track electricity distribution.

The municipality has also legally connected 469 informal households, reducing illegal connections and improving safety.

Currently, electricity losses sit at 26%, driven by ageing infrastructure, illegal connections, faulty meters and administrative gaps. Gumede said the interventions now in place will protect revenue and support long-term service delivery stability.

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