City Power Pauses Smart Meter Rollout After Uncovering Free Electricity Loophole

ITWeb reported that the utility plans to audit its database as part of its response. Such a review would allow City Power to reconcile registered customer records against actual connections and metered consumption, helping to identify accounts that are drawing power outside authorised arrangements.

Database audits are a common step for utilities seeking to detect billing discrepancies and unauthorised usage. By cross-checking its records, City Power can work to close the loophole and establish a cleaner baseline before resuming installations.

Why It Matters

Revenue losses from unauthorised connections and non-payment are a persistent challenge for utilities across many markets, affecting their ability to maintain and expand infrastructure. Ensuring that meters are correctly installed, registered and monitored is central to accurate billing and financial sustainability.

The situation in Johannesburg reflects a broader theme in the modernisation of energy systems: technology deployments such as smart meters must be paired with robust data management and security controls to deliver their intended benefits. For the Africa–Europe technology corridor, where vendors and financiers are increasingly involved in energy digitalisation projects, cases like this reinforce the value of end-to-end verification.

As of the reporting available, City Power has not, according to the source, provided a detailed timeline for when the rollout will resume or the full scope of the audit. Further details are expected as the utility completes its review of the affected connections and its customer database.

The utility's next steps will likely focus on remediating the identified connections, updating its records and determining what technical or procedural safeguards are needed before the meter programme continues.