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City Power Cracks Down on Bypassed Prepaid Meters, Fines Reach R30K

Johannesburg residents with bypassed prepaid meters are facing severe consequences as City Power intensifies its crackdown on illegal electricity connections. In less than a week, hundreds of housing units have been disconnected, and hefty fines have been imposed to recover costs and deter future offenses.
Major Operations Target City Deep and Kliptown
On 20 January 2025, City Power disconnected 122 housing units in City Deep, managed by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), after discovering tampered prepaid meters. This operation follows another major disconnection earlier in the week, where 120 units in Kliptown Square were cut off for similar violations.
Fines Reaching Up to R30,000
Residents found tampering with prepaid meters are facing penalties ranging from R14,000 for single-phase connections to over R30,000 for three-phase connections. These fines cover the cost of replacing tampered meters and act as a deterrent against future violations.
City Power Employees Allegedly Involved
During the operation, some customers implicated City Power employees and contractors in facilitating the illegal bypassing of meters. Reports suggest these individuals charged customers between R2,000 and R5,000 for the service.
City Power has vowed to investigate these allegations thoroughly, cautioning residents against colluding with such individuals. “Customers who engage in these illegal practices will face penalties alone, and such actions constitute a criminal offense,” the utility warned.
Safety Risks and Revenue Losses
City Power emphasized that tampering with meters not only poses safety hazards but also results in significant revenue losses. “Bypassing meters undermines the integrity of our network and creates safety risks for residents within the property,” the utility explained.
Public Encouraged to Report Meter Tampering
The utility has urged the public to report any cases of meter tampering or individuals demanding cash to bypass meters. Reports can be made to City Power’s Security Risk Management team at 011 490 7900/7911 or via WhatsApp at 083 579 4497.
A Firm Stance Against Illegal Connections
“City Power has made it clear that we will not tolerate meter tampering in any form. All customers are obligated to pay for the electricity they use,” the utility stated, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of Johannesburg’s electricity network.
As City Power continues its efforts to eliminate illegal connections, residents are reminded of the serious consequences of bypassing prepaid meters and encouraged to comply with regulations to avoid disruptions and penalties.