VANDERBIJLPARK. – An investigation took place against the background of a major revenue crisis for the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) which has about 72 000 pre-paid meters of all kinds throughout the region – but with only almost 18 000 producing revenue, say expert sources.

“BXC’s IT network picks up when electrical boxes are tampered with or meters are bypassed and action can be taken, an advantage which traditional pre-paid municipal meters do not have.

“Fines of R20 000 per bypass are issued including all infrastructure damages also to be paid by the by-passed account holder”, says BXC Project Manager Dawid Dirks.

“This snap investigation shows how big and persistent the bypassing problem really is and how it destroys revenue security for ELM, which needs the income for service delivery to Emfuleni residents – but fortunately with smart meters we can instantly pick it up and take steps, said Dirks.

Dirks added that many Emfuleni residents who have bypassed pre-paid meters for years do not want smart meters as their theft will be exposed, thus forcing them to start paying for electricity.

• A more in-depth story about this problem and residents that have been fined in this week’s Vaalweekblad (6 to 12 October)