Severe penalties for meter tampering
It was also found that customers who tamper with pre-paid meters are making purchases to disguise the tampering
Unannounced checks to detect electricity meter tampering uncovered that some residents have resorted to illegally adjusting their meters to halt their electricity consumption. An examination of these meters and investigations have revealed that residents are either bypassing electrical meters or paying people to bypass the meters.
“It was also found that customers who tamper with pre-paid meters are making purchases to disguise the tampering,” said Umtshezi Acting Municipal Manager Elphas Dladla. This is stealing electricity, is illegal and criminal charges will be laid against people caught. Mr Dladla issued this stern warning, saying that while the municipality is trying to keep electricity costs to a minimum, tampering of meters will result in a cost increase for all customers.
To deter residents from meter tampering, the municipality will take strict action against anyone caught. “The customer will be switched off immediately and fined an amount of R3191.80, which must be paid prior to the electricity being switched on.
“The matter will be reported to the police where a case of theft will be opened against the account holder,” explained Mr Dladla.
In addition, the municipality will also compare electricity consumption averaged on months of ‘normal’ consumption to that of the period of the suspected meter tampering and charge the account holder the difference.
Residents are warned that tamper checks will be taking place at any time. Staff will be fully clothed in Umtshezi Municipality uniform but if you are suspicious, please call the municipality on 036 342 7800 to confirm.
“Please ensure that you co-operate with the staff members as they will switch your power off should you not comply. “Should any customer be aware of meter tampering, please report it to the Acting Director: Electricity Cyril Moodley by calling 036 342 7800,” concluded Mr Dladla.
