Another month to report bridged meters
Almost 50 per cent of household meters audited, were bridged
An amnesty period for Ngwathe residents with disabled prepaid electricity meters has been extended to the end of September.
Residents whose meters were disabled by ‘bridging’ or whose meters were faulty, were initially given two months (to 31 August) to notify the municipality and avoid paying a fine. Some residents had tampered with their meters and Ngwathe had temporarily bridged others.
They now have until 30 September to get the municipality to replace their meter with a new one. Residents who fail to inform the municipality will not only be fined but will have to pay for the new meter and its installation.
The Ngwathe Local Council extended the amnesty after a request from the DA caucus leader, Carina Serfontein. She said many residents and some councillors were not aware of the amnesty period. The extension will now be advertised in local newspapers.
The amnesty forms part of Ngwathe’s plan to reduce electricity distribution losses and increase revenue. A report to Council last Friday stated that 47 per cent (1 737 of 3 660) of household meters audited had been bridged. Of the 626 business meters audited, six per cent (37) had been bridged. Of the 221 meters at large powers users, 19 had possible technical problems that were resolved in June.
