City Power to upgrade Smart prepaid meters. Photo: City of Tshwane
Smart meter roll-out in Tshwane showing great progress
The City of Tshwane is replacing conventional electricity meters with it’s new smart prepaid memters for all household in the metro.
City Power to upgrade Smart prepaid meters. Photo: City of Tshwane
The City of Tshwane is pleased with the progress it is making with its continuous smart meter roll-out.
The City is replacing the conventional electricity meters with new smart prepaid meters for all households throughout Tshwane.
SMART METERS THE CITY’S WAY OF MAKING SERVICES AFFORDABLE
City of Tshwane’s MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations, Daryl Johnston said the installation is compulsory and in accordance with the City of Tshwane Standard Electricity Supply By-law, gazetted in August 2013.
The By-law states the following:
“With effect from the date of application of these By-laws, the supply, distribution and reticulation of electricity by the municipality to all consumers shall be on a smart prepayment basis as metered and paid for by means of a smart prepayment meter System.”
He said the installation of the meters is an exciting step toward realising the City’s adoption of current technology that assists our customers in making services affordable.
The move to smart energy will allow the City to respond far more effectively to electricity issues.
Furthermore, consumers can use prepaid meters as a tool to help them manage their energy consumption and possibly save on costs.
The City intends to convert all meters to prepaid as quickly as the budget allows.
CONCERNS RAISED BY RESIDENTS REGARDING THE SMART METER ROLL-OUT
Johnston indicated that residents have raised concerns regarding communication around the ongoing roll-out.
“We are working to improve and increase messaging on this project. We will ensure that we regularly engage with our communities as we continue to push ahead with the roll-out.”
Johnston said.
He said they will be engaging with residents through video assistance on how to load units on the new meters.
The metro will also distribute a “Frequently Asked Questions” document to ensure that residents are fully informed.
Quite a number of households in Tshwane already purchase electricity via prepaid meters.
Johnston said this will contribute to developing a prepaid metered electricity network that benefits all residents of Tshwane.
WHERE TO PURCHASE ELECTRICITY UNITS:
Residents are encouraged to load electricity units onto the new prepaid meters after installation as they will be preloaded with 5 kWh.
Electricity units can be purchased from City of Tshwane pay points at customer care centres and at 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
Johnston mentioned that all City of Tshwane 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. The technicians will further comply with COVID-19 Regulations.”
Johnston said.
He thanked residents for cooperating with the teams installing the new
Meters, and encouraged those who are yet to have theirs installed to the same.
Further more, Johnston said the project is critical to help stabilise the City’s finances while empowering residents to manage their electricity consumption effectively.
