The programme provides residents with an opportunity to voluntarily regularise tampered prepaid electricity meters and register rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without incurring the penalties that would ordinarily apply.

Originally launched on 1 March 2026 and due to end on 30 June 2026, the initiative has already resulted in an increase in Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registrations. However, Council recognised that additional time is needed to encourage greater participation and improve compliance across the municipality.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the extension reflects Council’s commitment to working with residents while safeguarding the municipality’s electricity infrastructure and financial sustainability.

“The Revenue Enhancement Programme is about creating an opportunity for residents to come forward voluntarily and ensure they are fully compliant with municipal regulations. Our objective is not to penalise people, but rather to work with our communities to improve the integrity of our electricity network while ensuring fair and accurate billing.”

Electricity meter tampering remains one of the municipality’s biggest contributors to non-technical electricity losses, inaccurate billing and lost revenue. These losses ultimately place additional pressure on municipal finances and increase the burden on residents who comply with the law.

At the same time, the growing number of rooftop solar installations has highlighted the importance of registering all Small-Scale Embedded Generation systems with the municipality.

While solar energy plays a vital role in improving energy security and supporting South Africa’s transition to renewable energy, unregistered systems present significant operational and safety risks.

These include electricity back-feeding during outages, voltage fluctuations, protection failures and potential dangers for municipal personnel working on the network. Unregistered systems also make it difficult for the municipality to accurately monitor electricity demand, plan future infrastructure and comply with national regulatory requirements.

During recent inspections, municipal officials found several conventional electricity meters that were recording zero consumption despite properties being occupied. Investigations revealed that many of these properties had unregistered solar PV systems that had compromised the operation of the existing meters.

Bornman said the municipality wants to ensure that all residents understand both their responsibilities and the benefits of registration.

“Solar energy is an important part of our energy future, and we fully support residents who invest in renewable energy. However, these systems must be registered to ensure they operate safely, protect our employees and maintain the stability of the municipal electricity network.”

To support the extension, the municipality will continue engaging with residents through public workshops aimed at explaining the registration process, the legal requirements and the impact of unregistered installations. Kouga’s Electrical Services Department is also working closely with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) to strengthen cooperation with registered installers.

The municipality believes that education and collaboration will encourage greater compliance while building stronger relationships between the municipality, electrical contractors and consumers.

Bornman urged residents who have tampered electricity meters or unregistered solar PV systems to make use of the extended opportunity before the programme closes.

“This extension provides residents with a final opportunity to regularise their electricity connections without facing the penalties that would normally apply. We encourage everyone who is affected to come forward before 30 October 2026. By working together, we can reduce electricity losses, strengthen municipal service delivery and build a safer, more sustainable electricity network for the benefit of all our communities.”