Eskom launches smart prepaid meter rollout in Gauteng
Eskom has embarked on an extensive infrastructure upgrade programme across Gauteng, focusing on introducing smart prepaid meters to improve service quality and give customers greater control over their electricity consumption. As part of this initiative, the utility is rolling out smart prepaid split meters in Sandton and Midrand, provided at no cost to residential customers.
The rollout begins with a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, including community meetings, door-to-door education campaigns, customer forums, and ward meetings. These engagements aim to inform residents about the benefits of smart prepaid meters, as well as related programmes such as free basic electricity (FBE), inclining block tariff (IBT), and energy efficiency measures.
Read more: City Power extends meter compliance deadline for people who have not upgraded yet
A smart prepaid meter is a digital device that records electricity consumption in real time, deducts the amount from a prepaid balance loaded by the customer, and communicates with Eskom remotely. The meter and its customer interface unit (CIU) work together to display current credit and consumption data, allowing users to monitor their usage closely. These meters feature two-way communication, enabling Eskom to read data, detect power outages, identify tampering, and send updates or instructions remotely. When the prepaid balance reaches zero, the system automatically disconnects power and reconnects once credit is loaded.
To top up, customers can buy prepaid tokens from accredited vendors, supermarkets, banks, or online platforms, and then load the tokens into the CIU at home. The CIU shows the remaining electricity units and flashes faster as usage increases, helping users manage their consumption efficiently.
Also read: City Power urges prepaid customers to complete meter upgrades before deadline
The benefits of smart prepaid meters include cost savings through better consumption control, enhanced customer service with real-time outage detection, reduced theft and tampering due to anti-tampering features, and proactive notifications via SMS or email when credit is running low. Additionally, these meters contribute to a more reliable and stable electricity supply, with fewer outages and load shedding events.
Customers are advised to purchase prepaid tokens only from authorised vendors to ensure they receive the correct amount of electricity without additional fees. Eskom also encourages customers to contact their local revenue protection units regarding illegal connections, which smart meters can now detect more effectively.
For more information or to apply for services, customers can email their requests with relevant hashtags and details to the appropriate Eskom regional email addresses listed on Eskom's website. The ongoing upgrades aim to drastically reduce energy theft and improve overall service delivery, making electricity management more transparent, efficient, and secure for Gauteng residents.
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Related article: Cllr Deborah Francisco shuts door to smart meters in Alex
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