Operations underway to ensure ratepayers are not plunged into darkness next year

Tshwane and Eskom have initiated operations to ensure ratepayers will not be cut off from the electricity supply network after November 2024.

The two entities’ current prepaid metering software system, which creates credit tokens for prepaid electricity meters, will stop generating codes as the unique numbers are running out.

Globally, meters will need to undergo reconditioning before November 24 next year, as the old systems will cease functioning due to a new token-generating system.

The system issuing new code formats will not operate on non-updated meters, affecting the dispensing of electricity to about 70 million customers.

Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the metro was aiming to initiate the Token Identifier (TID) rollover by this November.

Bokaba said the metro was preparing to update its vending system and the security modules that generate tokens in November, and by December 4, to start phases 1 and 2 of the TID rollout to ratepayers.

– Phase 1 will introduce the issuing of TID codes to customers when they purchase tokens. The customer will enter the code themselves and if they experience challenges, a hotline will be set up for assistance.
– Phase 2, which will run parallel with phase 1, will be for meters that require being replaced with new meters that are standard transfer specification-2 compliant. This phase requires a physical visit to the property.

Bokaba said the do-it-yourself strategy would be backed up by a dedicated customer care contact centre to support technical challenges.

“The cost impact will be on purchasing (procuring) additional new meters to replace those not accepting the TID code or that are falling outside compliant meters.

“The cost of the new meters is around R1 100 and the city currently has 30 000 prepaid meters procured for the TID rollover in the past financial year.

“The city also upgraded servers during the previous financial year in preparation for the TID rollover.”

The metro previously estimated the upgrade to the tune of R5.2-million.

Gauteng Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said they have covered over 14 communities in Tshwane.

Eskom rollover-supplied areas include:

– Ekangala

– Ga-Rankuwa zones 1, 2, 3 and 4

– Klipgat

– Themba unit D

– Moloto

– Gem Valley

– Mothotlung

– Hebron Moagi

– Hebron block E

– Hebron 1

– Refentse Stinkwater and Lephengville, Majaneng.

Qithi said the communities could also opt for a seamless DIY meter recording method to meet the 2024 deadline.

She said the rollover project would ensure about 6.8 million Eskom prepaid electricity meters were recorded before the deadline.

Phase 1 was completed by September 2023, dedicated to clearing all the glitches and teething problems in the rollover process.

Eskom’s general manager of operations enablement, Velaphi Ntuli said, “It is all system go for the Key Revision Number rollover project. The provincial teams are working around the clock to ensure everyone is recorded before the due date.

“We understand there is no major project without glitches, but this is a commitment we have made to ourselves and will put every effort towards delivering it,” Ntuli said.

The Eskom DIY approach seems to be the best option, as it is cost-effective.

Eskom customers will be issued with a pair of key change tokens at the time when they purchase their normal top-up prepaid electricity via any of the approved vending channels.

Ntuli said customers had to ensure all pre-purchased tokens were loaded into the meter before starting the recording process.

Eskom senior manager Portia Papu said: “It is critical to emphasise that the recoding of meters is done at no cost to the customers. Therefore, we caution customers against scammers who would attempt to take advantage of the recording process and request any form of payment for this service.”

She said the DIY process would only assist customers who have logged queries and received proper reference numbers.

Papu said the process of buying electricity has not changed.

“Customers will still be able to buy electricity from major banks, online platforms, fuel-filling (service) stations, prepaid electricity vending agents and retailers across the country, as they are currently doing.”

The Eskom Key Revision Number (KRN) rollover is underway. Visit our website for more details. https://t.co/kNlOqXieEe

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 25, 2023

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