The City of Cape Town’s R196 million programme to install new prepaid meters has been ongoing for approximately eight years and is nearing completion with 70 000 old credit meters (non-pre-paid meters) having been replaced thus far free of charge. This programme for the compulsory upgrade of meters, some older than 30 years, is in its final phases. The use of prepaid meters allows residents to manage consumption better and avoid billing surprises. Electricity is not more expensive via a pre-paid meter. A University of Cape Town study showed an average saving of approximately 12% to 15% after switching to prepaid metering.
The upgrade programme is area-based, with every city suburb benefitting. The replacement of credit meters with prepaid meters is free of charge when the upgrade programme is in the scheduled area and residents can pre-register on the City’s website for when the programme reaches their area. Residents who don’t want to wait for the programme to reach their area can upgrade immediately, however the customer will then have to arrange with his own contractor to do the work inside the home and pay the City (R2 665,60) for the final change-over.
‘Some of the old credit meters are 30 years old and it is vital that we continue to invest in our electricity infrastructure. Prepaid meters also allow residents to better manage their consumption and avoid being shocked by high bills at the end of the month. This is especially important now that we can see how expensive electricity is following another round of high Eskom-driven increases. Our data shows that residents supplied via prepaid meters use about 12% to 15 % less electricity due to the increased oversight provided by prepaid meters. This means a decrease in the monthly cost of electricity because of the reduced usage. Electricity is also not more expensive via a pre-paid meter. This is an urban legend. We thank our customers for their support and cooperation throughout the successful roll out of this programme,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
The new prepaid meter is located outside on the street, with an in-house display provided inside the customer’s property. Locating the meter outside the premises allows the City to more easily access the meter and also to check whether there has been any tampering.
Once in an area, a contractor appointed by the City will do a mail-drop at each targeted customer’s address requesting that they make contact to set up an appointment at a time that is convenient to them. Once the appointment has been made, a reference number will be generated. If residents have not received a mail-drop or are in any doubt as to whether this is a legitimate City project, they can contact the City’s call centre (0860 103 089).
City staff and contractors will always set up an appointment for scheduled work. Municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the official identification card before allowing anyone onto their property. The identification card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor.
Once the meter is installed, residents will benefit in the following ways:
No more meter reading estimates
No more bill surprises
Better oversight on consumption with an in-home display, making budgeting easier
Reduced risk of meter failure and supply loss
No more electricity cuts due to unpaid bills. To avoid debt deductions off purchases, customers must approach the City and set up a payment plan
Ideal for communal renting or leasing, with no more bill disputes with tenants
The customer will remain on the same tariff after switch-over to prepayment meter
Source: City Of Cape Town