City's electricity meter replacement programme moves to new areas

26 January 2026

The City continues to roll out its compulsory meter replacement programme. This initiative replaces the older credit meter and some old prepaid meters at no cost to residents. The new meters are the property of the City and help with managing usage in real-time.

‘One of the most important things for residents to know is that electricity costs are the same irrespective of the type of meter used. The meters do not supply electricity, they just measure usage. The new meters make it easier for residents to manage their electricity costs as they can see their usage in real-time. Importantly, they allow qualifying residents the opportunity to switch to the affordable subsidised Lifeline Tariff, which includes Free Basic Electricity units. Thank you to our residents for the support as we invest in improving the City’s electricity infrastructure,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

What residents need to know:

When it is their turn, they’ll receive a letter or phone call to schedule an appointment. Once arranged, they may confirm the booking’s authenticity by phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or send an email to mrp@capetown.gov.za. The installation only takes about one hour, if all goes to plan, and residents are advised of the process that follows.

If your area was previously upgraded with new meters, but you missed out, please call 0860 103 089 to discuss the options.

Why the new meters are beneficial:

They give accurate readings, reducing any potential billing issues.
They help residents monitor and manage electricity use in real-time.
They allow eligible households to benefit from the subsidised Lifeline Tariff which includes Free Basic Electricity.

Areas benefiting from the meter replacement programme from February to May 2026:

Mowbray
Rosebank
Rondebosch
Rondebosch East
Newlands
Mitchells Plain

The City is also making appointments with residents in areas already visited, including Green Point, Sea Point and Observatory, to attend to some outstanding meters.

New meter facts:

Compulsory programme, free-of-charge.
Meter replacement enables Lifeline tariff benefits.
New meters do not ‘use’ more electricity, they merely measure the usage.
There is no difference in usage of electricity between the old and new meters.
New meters are part of an investment in accurate, new infrastructure.
Electricity meters are the property of the City and reasonable access to premises is required in terms of the law.
All other meter-related work continues, including Small-Scale Embedded Generation meters, pre-paid meter replacement and tampering enforcements, among others.
The Large Power Users are not on the list as they already have AMI meters installed. Small Power Users in the commercial sense form part of the programme if their main supply is limited to 100 Amps.

Tips for residents:

To verify, contact the City on 086 010 3089
Always verify the work order number when an official visits your home
Check the official’s City-issued identification card
The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor and must contain a photo of the staff member or mandated contractor
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to SAPS
If residents have questions about unusually high or low usage patterns or revenue protection matters, they are encouraged to contact the Customer Call Centre on 0860 103 089.

For more information, watch this video on the comparison between the Old and New Meters, forming part of the City’s innovative Meter Replacement Programme.

Please see the meter replacement programme FAQs.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office