City's electricity meter replacement schedule for last months of 2024

30 September 2024

Residents are reminded of the City’s rollout of new and more convenient electricity meters in various areas in the final few months of 2024. The replacement programme is compulsory and free-of-charge and benefits customers in numerous ways. The replacement of older City-owned credit and prepaid meters offers improved management of energy usage for residents and helps to avoid inaccurate readings. 

'We are replacing older electricity credit and prepaid meters and phasing in new, smarter prepaid meters across the metro in City-supplied suburbs. When a particular area is due for replacement, we will deliver letters to customers' homes to arrange appointments. Once an appointment has been made and the appointed contractor reaches out to the customer, they may verify the supplied reference number by contacting the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Electricity meters belong to the City and reasonable access to the meters is required in terms of law.

'The meter replacement programme is beneficial to residents. The cost of electricity is the same for the old credit meter and the new prepaid meters. These meters merely measure electricity usage and do not consume any of the customer's electricity. The newer meters help with cost management, accuracy of readings, usage control and monitoring. It also enables qualifying beneficiaries to move to the highly subsidised, affordable Lifeline Tariff, which includes Free Basic Electricity (FBE). We encourage residents to make the switch and contact us with any questions,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

City teams and contractors will be delivering letters to residents in scheduled areas. Customers are encouraged to contact the City to make an appointment to replace older electricity meters at their convenience once their area is active. The full schedule is currently being finalised and will be distributed once it is available. Please see the meter replacement programme FAQs.

Remember: It must be noted that this replacement programme is not to be confused with the National Prepaid Meter Software Update with tokens (TID). Please see for more information: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/prepaid-electricity-meter-update-project

To verify: contact the City's Call Centre on 086 010 3089.

To report suspicious behaviour contact: 0800 1100 77

Tips for residents:

• 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 an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor.
• If unsure, call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
• Report suspicious behaviour to the City's law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS.
  
   
  
  
  End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office