Electricity theft is thriving, but we bet the culprits are not who you might suspect.
From Ferraris parked in Waterkloof to sprawling estates in Centurion, the wealthy are among an estimated 2.1 million South Africans stealing electricity and costing Eskom billions.
And they aren’t just bypassing their meters… No, some haven’t paid a cent for years.
Electricity theft among PTA’s wealthy
According to Rapport’s Hanlie Retief [1], Pretoria-based metering company Impact Services uncovers illegal connections in high-end suburbs like Waterkloof every week.
Impact Services owner Johan Hopley tells Retief these electricity thieves “are driving Ferraris while stealing electricity”.
He adds, “There is a culture of power theft”.
This is backed by the City of Tshwane reporting illegally connected properties in areas like Elardus Park. One household in this area owes R2.4 million in unpaid bills.
In another case, a Waterkloof Glen home for sale at R2.3 million owed the municipality over R560,000. The last payment was made in 2020.
And it’s not just homes. Businesses in Johannesburg and Tshwane are some of the biggest culprits.
Who pays for stolen electricity?
Paying customers, of course.
With billions in lost revenue, Eskom has turned to massive tariff hikes to stay afloat.
Meanwhile, power theft adds pressure to an already unstable grid, exacerbating load shedding.
Electricity theft is a costly dilemma
According to a research study (dated 2020) by Professor Jamil Ddamulira Mujuzi[2], failure to criminalise electricity theft only compounds the issue.
One of the core issues identified in the study is the absence of legislation defining electricity theft as a crime.
Professor Mujuzi says unlike other countries (such as China, Canada, and India), where electricity theft is explicitly outlawed, South African law is vague.
The now-repealed Electricity Act of 1987 had provisions addressing illegal connections, but its successor, the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, omitted such clauses.
This gap has left courts to interpret whether electricity theft constitutes a crime under common law, leading to conflicting judgments.
Electricity theft out of control
The problem isn’t new, but it’s grown worse due to lax enforcement.
Eskom’s prepaid meters are meant to curb theft, but the system isn’t monitored. Once a customer gets a prepaid meter, there’s no follow-up to see if they’re buying electricity regularly.
Even recent efforts to recode prepaid meters before the November 24 KRN rollover deadline fell short, according to Hopley.
By Eskom’s count, 2.1 million meters missed the update. Most of these are suspected of being tampered with or illegally connected.
City of Tshwane’s Eskom debt
On Monday, executive mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya shared key updates on the City’s recovery progress, including the R6 billion Eskom debt.
Dr Moya said the City reached a “landmark agreement with Eskom to settle the R6.67 billion historical debt owed to the utility.”
This agreement was formalised on 26 November.
The payment plan spans five years, “with the first payment of R400 million scheduled for December 2024”. In addition to this, the City already paid R425 million for October 2024.
Eskom’s warning
Meanwhile, Eskom is calling on all South Africans to avoid illegal electricity connections, vandalism, meter tampering, theft of network equipment, and purchasing electricity from unlicensed vendors.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says refusal to adhere would result in load shedding returning.
“To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading, which can lead to load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections.
Tampering with or causing damage to Eskom property is a serious crime. Vandalism not only violates the law and disrupts essential services, but it can also lead to injuries or even loss of life, affecting not just those responsible but also innocent individuals. #StopVandalism pic.twitter.com/JOzWmzGnfm
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) November 28, 2024
“Such actions can negatively impact the entire local community and result in hefty remedial fines. It is also essential for customers to purchase electricity only from authorised vendors.”
Urgent action needed
If offenders were fined (and tampered meters replaced), the issue might be resolved.
But addressing this will require collaboration between Eskom and local municipalities.
TL;DR: Electricity theft in South Africa isn’t just about lost revenue. It’s a symptom of deeper systemic issues.
Without stricter enforcement and better collaboration, the problem will continue to spiral, leaving honest citizens footing the bill.
How to report electricity theft
Think you know someone stealing power?
Here’s how you can help:
- Report illegal connections anonymously via Eskom’s hotlines:
- Call 0800 112 722,
- SMS 31090
- Call SAPS on 10111.
- Support community-driven anti-theft initiatives.
- Demand accountability from municipalities to monitor prepaid meters.
References:
[1] Retief, H. (2024, December 1). Kruisverhoor: ‘Hulle ry met Ferrari’s, maar steel steeds krag’. Rapport.
[2] Mujuzi, Jamil Ddamulira. (2020). Electricity theft in South Africa: examining the need to clarify the offence and pursue private prosecution?, Obiter, 41(1), 78-87. Retrieved December 02, 2024.
