Zero buyers
Eskom, faces challenges related to electricity theft from consumers across various communities. One of the main challenges is zero buying, where electricity is bought from illegal vendors and meters are tampered with. Buying illegal electricity tokens from illegal vendors and tampering with meters are serious criminal offences that could result in the offender paying a big fine, or worse, ending up in prison with a criminal record.
Who are illegal vendors?
An illegal vendor is anyone who sells you illegal electricity tokens at a discount. Electricity is regulated and there’s no discounted price for it. These syndicates keep that money and do not pay it to Eskom or the municipality. Illegal vendors also offer discounted electricity online.
What to do
Buy electricity tokens from Eskom vendors who sell tokens via online banking and in supermarkets, spaza shops and mini markets
Report suspected illegal electricity token sales in your area, illegal meter tampering, and the crime syndicates behind these activities to Eskom’s crime line on 0800 11 2722.
Instead of doing anything illegal, pensioners and the less fortunate can register for Free Basic Electricity (FBE) at their local municipality.