Eskom rolls out smart meters in Diepkloof Zone 6

Eskom has begun installing prepaid smart meters in Diepkloof Zone 6, Giyani Section, as part of its ongoing rollout across Gauteng aimed at modernising electricity management and improving service delivery.

The installation programme started on Monday, May 4, and forms part of Eskom’s broader initiative to give customers greater control over their electricity consumption.

According to a statement released by the power utility, the smart meters will allow households to monitor usage more effectively and purchase electricity based on their affordability.

Each household will also receive a Customer Interface Unit (CIU), which is used to load electricity tokens.

Eskom has confirmed that any remaining prepaid electricity credits purchased from authorised vendors will be transferred to the new meters, ensuring no loss of purchased units during the transition.

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Residents have been urged to prioritise safety during the installation process, with Eskom warning that all electrical appliances must be treated as live while technicians are working on site.

The utility also cautioned the public not to make any cash payments to employees or contractors involved in the rollout, stressing that installations are part of an official programme.

Community concerns and engagement

The rollout comes amid mixed reactions in parts of Soweto, where residents from areas including Diepkloof recently marched to Eskom’s Megawatt Park offices in Sunninghill to hand over a memorandum raising concerns about smart meters and electricity costs.

Ward 26 councillor Sithembiso Mashinini has called on residents to allow the process to continue, saying the smart meters will ultimately empower households to better manage their electricity usage.