Final rush in Polokwane for power meter conversions
Eskom Limpopo clarified that a meter box system update is essential, as the current system will expire on Sunday, the final day of the transition grace period.
POLOKWANE – Over the past week, many Eskom customers in the Capricorn district have faced long queues at the Hans van Rensburg Street branch in Polokwane.
These customers, primarily from remote areas such as Moletjie, Mashashane, Mentz and Molepo, sought answers after weeks of unresponsive electricity meter boxes, which left households without power.
You might also want to read: Polokwane Muni on how to check if your electricity meter is upgraded
The affected customers are often elderly, retired, or otherwise vulnerable persons.
Eskom Limpopo has clarified that a meter box system update is essential, as the current system will expire on Sunday, November 24, the final day of the transition grace period.
Eskom provincial spokesperson Matshidiso Mandzivandila explained that there are about 1.4 million registered meters in Limpopo, with approximately one million already updated.
The remaining 400 000 meters are currently being processed. Mandzivandila said that the branches are chaotic due to illegal power consumers panicking.
“We are trying to see if there is a way to assist customers at other venues to avoid the queues at the remote branches. Residents who are bridging (illegally connected) need to come clean. They will have to pay a R6 000 penalty fee, and everything will be restored,” she said.
To check whether your meter has been upgraded, type 873 and enter. If the number two comes up, the upgrade has been done. If the number one appears it has not been updated.
Eskom customers needing help can call 0860 037 566.
It noted that the call for changes was initiated in July 2023, providing customers with 15 months to make the switch. Failure to comply would render electricity boxes unable to accept power tokens.
Many customers now argue that awareness campaigns were insufficient.
While Eskom claims to have used local media, websites, and social media to notify customers, many believe these efforts were not enough.
Additionally, attempts to use Eskom’s digital update system have proven unsuccessful for numerous users.
Customer experiences
Polokwane Observer gathered comments from affected customers in these queue:
