City Power temporarily suspends postpaid to prepaid meter conversions
This temporary suspension will allow City Power to strengthen systems and tighten controls.
City Power has temporarily suspended all prepaid meter conversions until November 1 to allow for a thorough review of the process and ensure future conversions are handled accurately and fairly.
Prepaid electricity metering, introduced in 2010 to improve access and convenience for households and businesses, has become an essential part of the city’s electricity services. However, recent reviews have raised concerns that must be addressed before further conversions can proceed.
These concerns include customers who converted from postpaid to prepaid meters but are no longer purchasing electricity (“non-vending”), discrepancies in some accounts not being accurately reflected on City Power’s systems after conversion, and the impact of prepaid tariff structures, which until July 2024 excluded fixed service and network charges.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the temporary suspension will allow the utility to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial and operational impacts of all electricity meter conversions.
A dedicated task team has been established to conduct the review, and its findings and recommendations will be tabled in two months. City Power will keep customers informed of any developments throughout the process.
“This suspension does not affect existing prepaid or postpaid customers, who will continue to purchase electricity and receive services as usual. Electricity supply remains unaffected, and customers should continue to use their existing meters normally,” Mangena said.
“City Power remains committed to providing reliable electricity services to all residents, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the city’s electricity network, and operating with transparency in the best interests of all customers.
“The suspension is a temporary measure to strengthen systems, tighten controls, and ensure that future conversions are handled accurately and in line with proper revenue protection standards. It also allows for a thorough review of the conversion process and the implementation of improved procedures.
“City Power apologises for any inconvenience and thanks customers for their patience and understanding as it works to improve our service,” he added.
