By 
CENTLEC has thrown a life-line for customers who are on the wrong side of the law, giving them a 60 days amnesty in which they can come clean and be on the right side of the law and with the utility.
According to Tseliso Leba, the Spokesperson for CENTLEC, the power utility has implemented a 60-day general amnesty on meter tampering, illegal electricity connections, and unauthorized meter relocations.
Leba explained that decision follows a council resolution undertaken by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Council on the 29 January 2026, approving the proposal submitted by the power utility and its Board. He said the amnesty initiative forms part of CENTLEC’s broader efforts to restore financial sustainability, protect electricity infrastructure, and enhance service delivery within the Mangaung Metro area.
“Consumers who have engaged in meter tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorized shifting of meter boxes are encouraged to voluntarily come forward and apply for the amnesty to normalize their status without facing immediate heavy fines or criminal charges.
The affected consumers will be required to complete a Declaration of Electricity Meter Tampering/ Illegal Connection Form as well as a Request for Electricity Meter Normalization Form. Added to that, applicants must provide proof of home ownership where applicable, a quotation or fine imposed and a valid Identity Document. There will be five days waiting period to assess the application,” explained Leba.
“The amnesty intends to address significant portion of revenue loss due to nontechnical losses as a result of illegal connections, meter tampering, and unauthorized meter shifts. This undermines the sustainability of the electricity supply system and places additional strain on infrastructure.
The amnesty is therefore designed as a clean-slate intervention aimed at reintegrating informal and low-income electricity users into the regulated system, while promoting fairness, compliance, and long-term system stability. Consumers who voluntarily disclose meter tampering or illegal connections during the amnesty period will qualify for a full waiver of tampering fines and back-dated billing penalties pending final approval by the CENTLEC Board,” he continued.
Tseliso Leba urged all affected consumers to make use of this opportunity to regularize their electricity supply and contribute to a sustainable and reliable electricity network for all.
For enquiries please contact the following number 051 412 2621 anytime during office hours.
