City Power has disconnected electricity supply to over 120 housing units at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company in Kliptown Square due to illegal bypassing of newly installed prepaid meters.
The operation targeted prepaid meters illegally bypassed after installation during the token identifier rollover project in November 2024.
Acting on a tip-off from residents, City Power’s Revenue Protection team was supported by law enforcement. “The affected meters were removed by our technical team, along with the circuit breakers, ensuring these customers do not illegally reconnect their power supply,” the utility said.
Penalties have been issued for tampering. Fines exceed R14 000 for single-phase connections and potentially surpass R30 000 for three-phase connections.
“We want to make it clear that City Power will no longer tolerate this behaviour,” the utility said.
As part of its efforts to curb electricity theft, City Power plans to intensify audits and similar disconnection operations across its eight Service Delivery Centre areas in coming weeks, the utility said. “Customers are urged to report any attempts by technicians or contractors to bypass meters or demand cash payments for illegal services.” Infringements can be reported to City Power Security Risk Management at 011 490 7900/7911 or via WhatsApp at 083 579 4497.
