City Power has confirmed that the temporary suspension of postpaid to prepaid meter conversions, which was initially due to end on June 30, will remain in place until further notice.

“The entity has decided not to lift the suspension as it continues to finalise the applicable rules, policy framework and governance measures required to strengthen the conversion process,” said spokesperson Isaac Mangena.

The suspension was introduced on November 27 as part of a comprehensive review of the conversion process, customer account verification systems and revenue protection measures aimed at addressing operational irregularities and strengthening governance controls.

Mangena said the suspension will remain in place while the applicable rules, policy framework and corrective measures are finalised.

He said postpaid to prepaid meter conversions will resume only once City Power is satisfied that the revised governance framework and operational controls have been fully implemented to safeguard the integrity of the conversion process.

“This suspension does not affect existing prepaid or postpaid customers, who will continue to purchase electricity and receive services as usual,” he said.

Mangena said the continued suspension follows the discovery of several irregularities and non-compliant activities linked to some meter conversions.

“These include customers who converted to prepaid meters without following approved application processes, in some cases working with employees, possibly outside of authorised procedures.

“Investigations have also identified customers who claim to have converted to prepaid but are not officially registered on prepaid systems.”

He added that City Power had also identified cases where customers applied and paid for legitimate prepaid conversions but later tampered with or bypassed the meters after installation, resulting in non-vending accounts and electricity consumption that was not accurately recorded or billed.

“Other cases involve customers vending significantly below expected consumption levels due to suspected meter tampering.”

Mangena said customers found to have bypassed their prepaid meters will be converted back to a postpaid system and rebilled for the full period during which tampering or irregular electricity consumption occurred.

“The review process is aimed at protecting the integrity and sustainability of the electricity network, improving accountability, and ensuring fairness for all paying customers.”