Metro continues to roll out smart prepaid meters

The Tshwane metro announced that the project to roll out smart prepaid meters to all households across Tshwane was progressing well.

The project began in February 2021 to help residents monitor their electricity usage as well as improving the metro’s revenue collection.

The installation is compulsory and in accordance with the Tshwane metro’s standard electricity supply by-law, established in August 2013, said utility services MMC Daryl Johnston.

The by-law states that “the supply, distribution and reticulation of electricity by the municipality to all consumers shall be on a smart pre-payment basis as metered and paid for using a smart pre-payment meter system”.

Johnston said the installation of the meters was an exciting step towards realising the adoption of current technology that assists residents by making services affordable.

“The move to smart energy will allow the metro to respond far more effectively to electricity issues.

“Furthermore, consumers can use prepaid meters to help them manage their energy consumption and possibly save on costs,” said Johnston.

He said they wanted to convert all meters in Tshwane as soon as possible as the budget allows.

“We have also noted residents’ concerns regarding the communication around the meters’ ongoing roll-out and we are working to improve and increase messaging on this project.

“We will also ensure that we regularly engage with our communities as we continue to push ahead with the roll-out,” he said.

Johnston said some of the planned communication will include instructional videos that will assist residents with loading electricity onto the new meters.

A “frequently asked questions” document will also be provided to households to ensure that residents are informed.

“A significant number of households already purchase electricity through prepaid meters. This will contribute to developing a prepaid metered electricity network that benefits all residents.

“The newly installed prepaid electricity meters will be preloaded with 5kWh. Consumers are then encouraged to load more units onto the new meter for their household usage immediately after installation,” Johnston said.

He said all technicians will have permits with their full identification details and contact information. Residents are encouraged to phone the displayed numbers should any clarification be required.

Electricity units can be purchased from the metro’s pay-points at customer care centres and the following banks and retailers:

– BLD Blu-approved devices

– Footprint

– Shoprite

– Pick n Pay

– SPAR

– ABSA Bank, African Bank, FNB, Capitec Bank, Standard Bank, Old Mutual and Investec

– Engen, BP, Shell and Sasol filling stations

– Prepaid24.co.za

– UniPIN

ALSO READ: 10 things to know about roll-out of prepaid metres in Tshwane

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