Municipality rolls out first smart meters

Will they or won’t they?

For a number of years, residents have pondered the stance the Newcastle Municipality will take, regarding the controversial smart metering system.

This month, the municipal Communication Department played its hand.

A press release issued by the department on instruction of the acting Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane said implementation of prepaid electricity meters had begun as of July.

This is specifically for Newcastle West, the statement read.

However, reportedly due to budgetary constraints, only 2 400 households will benefit from the smart meters, at a subsidised cost.

“The Municipality will subsidise 50 per cent of the cost, enabling the applicant to be liable to only pay a once-off fee amount of R1 300 for the meter installation.”

If the decision is taken to move over to the prepaid system, a period of a year will come into effect, before reverting back to the previous system is allowed.

Officials said this was due to the limited number of meters available.

“If you have switched over to prepaid meters, you have kept someone else from benefitting.”

The unsubsidised cost of the prepaid meter varied from the press release and inquiries in person to the Municipality, and figures as to the precise difference in costing were unavailable at the time.

Only one meter will be installed per residential property.

Madadeni and oSizweni residents do not qualify for prepaid electricity meters, as these areas receive electricity supply directly from Eskom.

Households with arrears accounts are also disqualified.

“A copy of the application form and accompanying documents can be obtained from the Civic Centre, new Services and Enquiries section, or downloaded from www.newcastle.gov.za.”

Installation of the prepaid electricity metres should commence in mid-August this year, and residents are required to purchase prepaid token vouchers.

These can be used to monitor and manage electricity usage.

“Vouchers can be purchased using cellphone and online banking, and from retail outlets such as Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers/ Shoprite, PEP, Spar and from Keyway Motors.”

News of this system has come on the heels of renewed debate on Facebook, with residents expressing their fury at another increase in tariffs.

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