Smart meters project imminent
Residents will soon know exactly why they are paying so much for electricity.
“Residents must not be left in the dark regarding their electricity usage,” said Mayor of Newcastle, Afzul Rehman.
Speaking at a press briefing this week, Cllr Rehman said the municipality was aware of the high electricity tariffs, but that plans to install smart meters in residents’ homes would enable home owners to keep track of their electricity usage.
“We have been having some difficulty finding a good service provider to roll out the pilot project,’” he said. “It seems that the service providers are just not meeting the standards.”
Following allegations of tender fraud, which culminated in the Newcastle Municipality being taken to court, the smart meter issue is a sharp edged knife, precariously balanced.
Cllr Rehman went on to say he felt the need for prepaid units was vital, so residents could keep track of, and regulate their expenditure on electricity.
The R50-million project is said to roll out in the near future, and will be providing residents with the opportunity to see for themselves why they are paying so much to keep the lights on.
