Blow the whistle on electricity theft in Estcourt
Once a person has been found to be tampering or stealing electricity, photographs are taken as evidence and the electricity is immediately disconnected
Electricity theft and tampering costs the municipality thousands each month.
This crime is widespread throughout the Inkosi Langalibalele municipal area and electrical department staff has uncovered several illegal connections. Electricity theft occurs when a person bypasses the electricity meter with the intention of not paying for their usage.
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Electricity tampering refers to an instance when a person forces the meter to stop functioning, under register and in some cases even stop registering how much of electricity is being used.
The municipality reports that electricity theft as well as tampering arises in all areas, with no single area being a hotspot. So, how does the municipality uncover this method of trickery?
“We observe the pattern in which customers use their electricity and if there is any change, a physical inspection is done. The electricians normally conduct routine checks for illegal connections or tampering,” said Municipal Manager Mr Mkhize.
Once a person has been found to be tampering or stealing electricity, photographs are taken as evidence and the electricity is immediately disconnected.
“The repercussions if someone is found tampering with electricity supply is that they are immediately disconnected and made to pay for the usage of electricity that they have not been paying for,” further explained Mr Mkhize.
If you suspect electricity theft or tampering, please report it to the electrical department on 036 342 7803 or your Ward Councillor, who will then report it to the municipality.
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