On 1 October the City of Tshwane introduced new prepaid electricity meters in Soshanguve, Mabopane, Winterveld, and Hammanskraal. This is part of the vision statement of Tshwane 2055 that aims to make the city liveable, resilient and inclusive. According to the metro, the smart meter system is the integration of intelligent information and communication technology with electronic transmission and distribution networks.
The system delivers electricity to customers using two-way digital technology. The smart meter not only allows users to measure electricity consumption at 15-minute intervals, but also indicates when the electricity was actually consumed. With the new meter, users can top up electricity at their own convenience, consuming only what they can afford. By January, the City of Tshwane will be installing smart prepaid meters free of charge in all households, businesses and industries.
The new technology will also help people obtain electricity quickly and affordably, with the smart pay-as-you-use electricity plan of the City of Tshwane. “This world-class system is a game changer with multiple benefits,” said Selby Bokaba, head of the municipality’s Communication department. “For example, residents have control over their usage, there is a 24-hour ease of purchase service via the phone, Internet and multiple points of sale, consumers will avoid unanticipated black-outs and disruptions and jobs are created.”
Some residents in Soshanguve have already received the smart meters and claim to have noticed a remarkable change from the old meter boxes. “It is very easy to load electricity vouchers onto the new meter and the warnings about potential power failures are very convenient. Bills have also decreased compared to the previous meter,” said Kholofelo Moffat, a Soshanguve, Block H resident.
The new system also allows for remote and local reading of the meter as well as detection of any tampering with the system.
