There has been some confusion on third-party purchase points recently, with residents driving all the way from the far east of Pretoria to the CBD to purchase electricity.
The confusion comes after 300 electricity meters were replaced in Boardwalk, Boardwalk Manor and Garsfontein.
“Residents can now buy pre-paid electricity through third-party vendors such as Pick ‘n Pay, filling stations, Spar, banks or any of the city’s one-stop centres,” according to utilities MMC Abel Tau.
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The replacement of the meters follows the favourable ruling of the North Gauteng high court in October last year, on the matter between the Tshwane metro and PEU Capital Partner and its TUMS subsidiary.
PEU/TUMS meters will now be replaced with the city’s own meters.
“This project is underway and the envisaged completion date is 30 June this year,’’ said Tau.
He said the metro had put together a strong multi-disciplinary team, led by the metro’s main user department for implementation of the project.
The replacement of a PEU / TUMS meter with the city’s own meter is as follows:
– Consumers are notified of the city’s intention to replace their meter 72 hours before the actual date of replacement;
– The current balance of the consumer is recorded on the morning of the date of replacement of the meter;
– The city’s teams replace the meter;
– The current balance of the consumer is transferred from PEU/TUMS to the city’s new meter immediately after replacement of the meter; and
– The consumer is then provided with information and demonstration by the city’s team while on site of how the new meter works.
“We want to assure our residents that no consumer will lose any balance or credit available on their account during the meter replacement process.
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“Furthermore, the cost of replacement of the meters are borne by the city; therefore, residents will also not be affected in this regard,” said Tau.
He said the number of meters replaced so far in light of the thousands still due to be replaced should not be dismissed as “tardy”.
“Our teams on the ground had to ensure quality installation of the new meters rather than chasing numbers.”
“In addition, there have been connectivity challenges in respect of the third-party vending platform; however, these challenges have since been resolved,” said Tau.
For enquiries on the current installation process, customers can contact the metro’s operational teams: 012-358 -8912 (during office hours) or 082-612-0333 (SMS), 081-000-2199 (after hours) or e-mail MDMS@tshwane.gov.za.
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