Endumeni residents face R500 fine if old electricity meters are tampered with
Endumeni warns residents and imposes a R500 fine for tampered meters before activating new smart electricity meters.
Residents in Endumeni are being warned that anyone found with a tampered electricity meter will face a R500 fine before being able to purchase units on the new smart meters.
This comes after a week of confusion, rumours, and frustration surrounding the rollout of smart electricity meters in the municipality. Mayor Mkhize met this week with municipal officials, contractors, the Endumeni Residents Association (ERA) and the Courier to address concerns and clear up misinformation.
At the centre of residents’ worries were claims that units were disappearing during installations, with some households even refusing contractors access to their properties.
Mondli Buthelezi, Endumeni’s technical director, explained that households with untampered meters would benefit fully from the rollout. “All untampered meters will be replaced, and all existing credits will be transferred to the new smart meter. Each installation will also include five complimentary units,” he said.
But for households with tampered meters, stricter rules apply. “A smart meter will still be installed with five free units, but a penalty fee of R500 must be paid before any further electricity purchases can be made,” Buthelezi stated.
He said this was part of “cleansing the data” and allowing residents to start on a clean slate, while also assisting the municipality to address its Eskom arrears of more than R300 million.
Willie Steenberg of the ERA said the association supports the project, as it will help curb rampant electricity theft that is costing the municipality millions. “There are about 10,000 meters to be installed, so residents must please assist to make the process smooth. “After the installation, we hope the arrears to Eskom will come down and the municipality can spend money on service delivery.”
Residents are urged to allow contractors access to their properties during the installation period. Queries can be directed to ERA representative Willie Steenberg on 073 847 4898.
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