City Power is intensifying its efforts to tackle electricity losses and illegal connections. From 20 to 28 October, technicians from the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) will be on the ground conducting critical audits. The City Power meter audit in Roodepoort will focus specifically on large power users (LPUs) and businesses, with the goal of improving grid integrity and preparing for a high-tech overhaul of the power network.
Why Is City Power Auditing Meters in Roodepoort?
Electricity theft, illegal reconnections, and bypassed meters have caused substantial revenue losses for the municipality. According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, these illegal activities, combined with system inefficiencies, cost the utility approximately R3.6 billion annually.
The Roodepoort SDC area alone has an outstanding electricity debt of R870 million:
- R298 million from LPUs
- R163 million from businesses
- R409 million from residential customers
These audits are not just about collecting data. They are an essential step before installing advanced monitoring technology that will help the utility reduce losses, detect faults faster, and enhance overall service delivery.
For details on planned power cuts in the province, see the Gauteng 2 Week Load Reduction Schedule: 13 – 27 October 2025
What the Audit Involves
- Inspection of business and LPU meters
- Verification of mini-substation (MSS) connections
- Confirmation of how many meters are linked to each MSS
- Ensuring each meter is correctly mapped to its substation
Technicians will also assess whether meters are linked properly to their supply points and identify any bypassed or tampered equipment.
Mangena noted, “These audits are a critical preparatory step for the installation of advanced equipment that will help reduce electricity losses, improve monitoring, and ensure quicker fault detection.”
The Role of the Intelligent Distribution System (IDS)
As part of a long-term strategy, City Power is rolling out the Intelligent Distribution System (IDS). This advanced technology monitors supply directly from substations and helps to:
- Detect tampering and theft in real time
- Identify phase imbalances
- Monitor reactive energy
- Flag technical and non-technical losses
Technical losses make up about 9%, while non-technical losses (mainly due to illegal activity) contribute a further 20%. Combined, these losses pose a major financial and operational challenge.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
LPUs and businesses are legally required to cooperate. Those who refuse the audit will face serious penalties:
- Disconnection from the grid
- A minimum fine of R30 000 for three-phase connections
- Additional reconnection fees and possible penalties
If no one is present at the time of the audit, technicians will leave a “No Access” letter with all necessary contact information for rescheduling. Customers are strongly encouraged to make arrangements within the audit window to avoid disconnection.
If you’re using a prepaid meter, don’t miss this guide on Prepaid Electricity Meter Problems You Need to Know.
Protecting Against Scams: How to Verify Technicians
City Power has issued a warning about possible scams during this period. Residents and business owners must always verify the identity of technicians before granting access. All City Power staff and contractors must carry official ID cards, which include:
- A photo and personal details
- Contractor verification number and expiry date
- A firefly hologram for authenticity
- Contact details for the Security Risk Management Control Room
ID cards are colour-coded based on department and must be visible at all times.
Mangena advises, “We urge everyone to co-operate and allow our metering technicians to complete their work efficiently.”
How to Prepare for the Meter Audit
To ensure a smooth audit process:
- Ensure someone is present at the property during the audit period (20–28 October).
- Verify technicians’ ID cards before granting access.
- Make arrangements in advance if the business is normally closed or inaccessible.
- Contact the Roodepoort SDC or the team leader using the details provided in the “No Access” letter if necessary.
Be Part of the Solution
The City Power meter audit in Roodepoort is a vital part of the city’s broader energy strategy. By allowing inspections, businesses and LPUs can help build a more reliable, efficient power network. This, in turn, improves service delivery for all.
We encourage our readers to cooperate with auditors, report suspicious activity, and play their part in creating a more sustainable and fair electricity system.
Learn how to benefit from government support in Eskom Urges South Africans to Register for Free Electricity.
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