Residents in Milnerton, Table View, Blaauwberg, Parklands and Melkbosstrand whose electricity meters are due for an update are seeking clarity on the new system.
The City of Cape Town says the update, which started in these areas on 1 January, is necessary for all prepaid electricity meters in South Africa and will expire in 2024.
“Prepaid metering software must be updated or customers won’t be able to recharge their meters with new tokens; and will be left without power supply,” the City says in a statement.
The City says they are following a phased approach – area by area is being earmarked for updating. Customers in a specific area will receive two update codes with their purchase when their time comes. If the City has not reached an area, and customers have not received the update codes with their electricity purchase, they are not yet due for the update.
This is where the problem comes in, confused residents say.
“The two codes are really unnecessary and a waste of time. I understand that updates for meters are necessary, but couldn’t the City come up with a better plan?” Joshua Basson says.
Gabriel Lafras says it is a weekly struggle to use the codes.
“I wish the City can simplify the process for us,” he says. The City says the following tips will assist residents:
. When making a purchase, residents in Milnerton, Table View, Parklands, Blaauwberg and Melkbosstrand will receive two 20-digit update codes along with their usual prepaid token. Customers who do not live in the area that is currently earmarked for updating will not be eligible to update their meters yet and will not automatically receive update codes with their normal purchase until their time comes.
. Update codes will be issued with purchases in areas across the metro in phases in accordance with the area schedule.
. When their area is being updated in accordance with the update schedule, they will get two update codes with their purchase.
1. Enter the first 20-digit update code and wait for it to accept.
2. Enter the second 20-digit update code and wait for it to accept.
3. Enter the usual 20-digit token to recharge units as normal.
. City teams are standing by to assist households with the updates. All Covid-19 health and safety protocols are being followed during home visits. Teams carry identification and work order numbers. Phone the City’s call centre for verification.
The areas earmarked for the next phase of the upgrade from 1 February are Plattekloof, Parow and Goodwood.
Why must prepaid electricity meters be updated?
The current pre-paid electricity metering software will expire for all prepaid electricity meters in South Africa in 2024.
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