Eskom cracks down on zero buyers as grace period ends, faces R12k fines
Eskom has warned that those who fail to regularise their accounts by the end of today (December 13) will face serious consequences, including fines of up to R12 000.
Eskom’s grace period for zero buyers expired on December 13, with the power utility warning that enforcement will intensify for those who have not regularised their accounts.
The initiative, which allowed customers to settle tamper fines and restore services without additional penalties has been a key part of Eskom’s broader campaign to reduce electricity theft and boost revenue protection.
As of December 14, Eskom will shift its focus to strict enforcement.
According to Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi, the utility will step up the audit of meters and installations, issue fines of up to R12 000 for tampering and pursue criminal charges for repeat offenders.
Qithi said customers who continue to bypass or tamper with their electricity meters, risk financial and legal repercussions.
The deadline marks the end of an 18-month-long campaign in which Eskom called on zero buyers, who had not purchased electricity legally, to come forward.
“We are urging our customers to act now. After December 13, any unresolved issues will result in fines and possible service interruptions,” said Qithi.
During the campaign, Eskom also successfully transitioned 5.64 million prepaid customers to the updated Key Revision Number (KRN2) system, with 400 000 former zero buyers already onboard but thousands of households remain non-compliant.
“Eskom has issued around 100 000 tamper fines, with 15 000 of those fines either fully or partially paid.
“Despite these efforts, a substantial number of customers continue to evade legal electricity purchases,” she said.
Qithi said for those who purchased electricity tokens before the November 24 deadline but experienced issues loading them, Eskom offered assistance provided they visited an Eskom centre by the deadline.
“Similarly, customers with a tampered with or bypassed meter are encouraged to resolve their case before penalties escalate.
Eskom has provided multiple channels for customers to complete their tamper fine payments, including online banking in a bid to streamline the regularisation process.”
She stressed that Eskom centres don’t accept cash payments and warned against offering cash at any location.
“Customers can use Eskom’s digital support tools, including Alfred the Chatbot, the Eskom Contact Centre’s IVR system and WhatsApp for assistance.
Eskom has also made available a legal vendor list to ensure customers can purchase electricity from authorised outlets.”
Qithi said after the deadline, Eskom will return to its regular operations but with a heightened focus on cracking down on non-compliance.
This will include thorough audits of meters, aggressive pursuit of tamper fines and the possibility of criminal charges for repeat offenders.
Eskom estimates that the fines could amount to R12 000 per case, posing a financial burden for defaulters.
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