It has come to our attention that some of the meter rooms are in disrepair and always remains open, thus allowing unauthorised person’s access to the live electrical equipment. Although the metering equipment inside the room is the property of uMhlathuze Municipality, the maintenance of the meter room structure including the doors is the responsibility of the owner of the property in terms section 45 of uMhlathuze Municipality’s Electricity Bylaws which state:
“Metering accommodation
(1) Only where required by the Engineer, the customer shall provide approved accommodation for switchgear and metering equipment in a position acceptable by the Engineer. The customer shall also provide an approved meter board complete with adequate conductors for the Service Provider’s metering equipment, service apparatus and protective devices. Such accommodation and protection shall be provided and maintained to the satisfaction of the Engineer at the cost of the owner.
(5) Only apparatus in connection with the supply of electricity shall be installed or stored in accommodation for the Service Provider’s metering equipment, unless specifically approved by the Engineer in writing.”
Since the unhindered access to the meter room by unauthorised persons can lead to fatal accidents and tampering, both of which shall be the liability of the owner. Owners are therefore requested to ensure that their meter rooms are secured and lockable by means of a municipal padlock thus restricting vagrants from occupying them and using them as accommodation which leads to vandalism and subsequently to unwarranted power interruptions. Failure to comply with the above could lead to the isolation of your electricity supply until the structure, doors frames have been repaired and the Department of Electricity has secured the meter room and/or kiosk with a municipal padlock.
