The City of Cape Town notes with concern posts that have spread on social media particularly about City electricity meters, some advising property occupants or owners not to allow City meter readers access to City-owned meters.
City prepaid and credit electricity meters, although possibly installed inside a dwelling, remain the property of the City.
It means City staff and contractors must please be allowed reasonable access to the meters.
This is important so meters can be maintained and proactively replaced prior to the end of their useful life.
Residents are advised to keep an eye on their usage patterns. If unusual patterns are noticed, especially if residents are homeowners and renting out the property, they are encouraged to contact the City.
Property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring access to the City meters and also for the accounts, including when tampering is conclusively found.
Residents are reminded to keep an eye on their account and a record of electricity sales to see if they can spot any anomalies.
The City also has an ongoing compulsory meter-replacement programme, supported by national regulatory standards, to replace the old credit meters and redundant prepaid meters with newer-type prepaid meters.
To verify the legitimacy of staff and contractors who wear identification, contact the Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
