Major change announced for stolen cable replacements
A new policy by the CoE could mean free electricity cable replacements for residents affected by theft, but not everyone qualifies. Read the article to find out more.
Ekurhuleni residents no longer have to pay R1 500 (excluding VAT) to get their stolen electricity cables replaced by the city. However, the city announced on July 22 that this benefit comes with terms and conditions.
The free replacement of stolen service connections only applies to residential customers. Businesses are excluded and will be charged based on quotations.
To qualify for the free service, affected customers must:
• Report the stolen cable to the Energy Department depot
• Provide a reference number from the call centre
• Submit a police statement and case number confirming the theft
“The customer’s municipal account must not be in arrears. If the account is in arrears, the customer will be required to settle the outstanding amount or provide proof of arrangements made with the Finance Department before a job card is created,” the CoE stated.
Residents using prepaid meters must provide their electricity purchase records. However, replacement will not be done for bypassed prepaid meters until a back-billing report has been compiled and the customer has paid the prescribed fees and tariffs related to the bypass.
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The CoE stressed that aside from possible fees for accounts in arrears or meter tampering, there is no charge for replacing the stolen service connection cable.
Replacement will be done to the point of supply as determined by the city. If paving or landscaping installed by the owner must be removed to install the new cable, the owner will be responsible for restoring the area.
“The municipality shall not be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential, including loss of production, profit, or damage to equipment or infrastructure caused by entering the customer’s premises to replace the stolen cable,” the CoE said.
An affidavit releasing the municipality from liability must be obtained from the customer before any replacement work begins. The council-approved policy came into effect on 1 July 2025.
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