Innovative kiosk design from Power Process Systems helps municipalities combat vandalism, improve public safety and protect critical revenue streams
Municipalities and utilities across South Africa continue to face growing challenges related to vandalism, infrastructure theft, illegal access and revenue losses associated with metering kiosks. In response, Power Process Systems (PPS), a leader in metering kiosk design and manufacturing, has developed an innovative hydraulic metering kiosk engineered specifically for high-risk municipal environments.
Metering kiosks are traditionally manufactured from a range of materials including polypropylene, fibreglass, polyethylene, mild steel and stainless steel. However, despite years of design evolution and the introduction of electronic keys, vandal-resistant locks and safe-style kiosk designs, municipalities continue to experience widespread issues relating to copper busbar theft, circuit breaker theft, illegal meter bridging and the removal of steel doors for scrap value.
The resulting infrastructure damage not only affects revenue collection but also creates significant public safety risks where live electrical components may become exposed. Developed in collaboration with a metropolitan municipality, the PPS hydraulic metering kiosk has been specifically designed to address these ongoing challenges.
A secure hydraulic lifting and locking system
Manufactured from robust 10mm mild steel, the kiosk incorporates a secure hydraulic lifting and locking system that prevents unauthorised access to internal components such as meters, busbars and circuit breakers. “Municipalities require practical, durable solutions that can withstand increasingly challenging operating environments,” says Ben Roode, Sales Manager at PPS.
“Our hydraulic metering kiosk was developed to improve infrastructure security, enhance public safety and support revenue protection in areas where vandalism and theft remain persistent concerns.” Unlike conventional kiosk designs, the hydraulic lifting mechanism ensures that the kiosk cannot be removed from its base without the correct operating equipment, significantly reducing the risk of tampering or theft.
Improved public safety
The design also contributes to improved public safety by eliminating exposed or damaged access doors that could allow children or members of the public to encounter live electrical infrastructure. According to PPS, hydraulic metering kiosks have already been installed in selected high-risk areas, where revenue collection has reportedly improved to approximately 98%.
“The positive feedback from municipalities already using the system demonstrates the value of combining robust engineering with practical operational security,” adds Roode. “By preventing illegal access and reducing infrastructure damage, councils are better positioned to improve service delivery while protecting critical revenue streams.”
The PPS hydraulic metering kiosk features heavy-duty 10mm mild steel construction and a hydraulic lifting and locking system designed specifically for high-risk municipal environments. The kiosk helps reduce copper theft, breaker theft and illegal meter bridging, while preventing unauthorised access to meters, busbars and circuit breakers.
By eliminating exposed or damaged access doors, the solution also supports improved public safety around electrical infrastructure. “We invite municipalities, councils and utilities to arrange a practical demonstration of the PPS hydraulic metering kiosk opening and closing operation, and to discuss how the solution can assist in reducing vandalism, improving public safety and protecting municipal revenue,” concludes Roode.
