AUTHORITIES in Luohu District have imposed a record-breaking fine of 12,000 yuan (US$1,684) on an individual for repeatedly violating government regulations on water and electricity pricing.

With summer driving up residential water and electricity use, the Shenzhen Administration for Market Regulation has intensified efforts to crack down on illegal price hikes.

During a joint inspection in Luohu District, authorities revisited a residential property in Liantang Subdistrict that had previously been penalized for overcharging tenants for utilities.

The investigation revealed that the individual responsible for collecting utility payments continued to charge excessive rates — 8 yuan per cubic meter for water and 1.5 yuan per kilowatt-hour for electricity — despite being fined 2,000 yuan for the same offense in March this year.

When questioned, the individual admitted to knowingly violating the pricing regulations again, mistakenly believing that paying the earlier fine would absolve him of further consequences.

Given the severity of the repeated offenses, which caused tenants to pay more than double the government-mandated rates, the market regulation authority and Liantang Subdistrict’s enforcement team convened a special meeting to discuss the case. On Aug. 21, the team decided to impose a 12,000-yuan fine, marking the highest penalty for an individual in the city to date.

The action is part of Shenzhen’s broader campaign to ensure fair utility pricing, particularly in urban villages where overcharging has been prevalent. The Shenzhen Administration for Market Regulation reported that its ongoing efforts, in collaboration with various local authorities, have led to an 83% reduction in daily complaints related to utility pricing.

As Shenzhen continues its crackdown, residents are encouraged to report any suspected cases of overcharging to help maintain fair and lawful pricing practices across the city.

(SD News)