Eskom is to disconnect customers whose meters are found to have been tampered with in Chiawelo, Soweto.
The power utility said it was conducting audits in Chiawelo to assess the extent of damage to its infrastructure after it found that some metering enclosures were being cut with grinders to bypass the system.
This follows an incident in which Eskom said some residents had reported vandalism of its infrastructure in the area last week.
“These criminal acts were conducted by individuals who cut through Eskom metering enclosures with grinders. Police, together with Eskom, managed to confiscate equipment which was used by the perpetrators, and the police are busy with their investigation,” the power utility stated. Eskom would like to send a strong warning that where customers allow the tampering of meters, the utility will remove the installations of these customers’ houses completely and they will have to reapply for new equipment and pay the necessary (installation) costs.”
The utility has been dealing with challenges in Chiawelo, where residents have resisted the split metering system rolled out there as a pilot project about five years ago.
In the new system, the meter is placed inside a “tamper-proof” steel box in the street, while only a keypad, used to load electricity units, is inside the house.
This was done to avoid tampering with meters. which causes power outages due to system overloading.
“Split metering has been implemented in Chiawelo, and this has led to a safe, reliable and stable electricity supply in Chiawelo.
This is mainly because split metering reduced the overloading of networks by ensuring that customers accurately account for their consumption,” Eskom said.
Residents, however, protested violently against split metering, which they allege was running faster and was expensive for them.
The houses of two councillors were torched in July, allegedly by protesters.
Police arrested 26 suspects, who, except for a 14-year-old, are still in prison for charges of public violence, arson and attempted murder.
Eskom has denied claims that split metering is overcharging, saying customers are paying for what they use.
The utility said that according to the incline block tariff aimed at promoting wise usage of power, customers will be penalised if they use too much electricity next time.
To ease the burden on customers, Eskom said it was, “together with the government, evaluating an option of installing solar water heaters to reduce electricity consumption by Chiawelo customers”.
“Eskom therefore urges members of the community to work with the utility in order to ensure a safe, stable and reliable supply in this area,” said Eskom Gauteng operations and maintenance manager Bandile Jack. - The Star