Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced that consumers caught illegally bypassing their pre-paid electricity meters must regularize their accounts by December 13, or face fines. This follows Eskom’s recent completion of a meter recoding process to ensure the proper functioning of pre-paid meters.
Speaking in Pretoria, Ramokgopa explained that consumers who have been bypassing the legal system will not be affected by the recoding process. He emphasized that these individuals have been informed of the need to come forward and regularize their electricity consumption. Those who fail to comply will face a tampering fine, which serves as an admission of guilt.
The fine, which amounts to about R6,000, can be paid in installments of R500 per month over the next 12 months, allowing consumers to ease the financial burden. The minister urged all affected individuals to take immediate action to avoid further penalties.