Eskom is accelerating the roll-out of smart meters to power up communities with smarter, safer, and more reliable technology. The programme in the Free State started in Thabong on Tuesday 17 February.
Eskom contractors Landis+Gyr will visit customers for data collection and meter replacements. Meter replacements will be conducted in phases, with the first phase taking place in ward 29.
Customers with smart meters benefit from real-time control of electricity usage, accurate billing for post-paid customers, and a seamless service experience. Additionally, these customers can participate in Eskom’s demand response programme and will be able to load tokens remotely.
Customers are requested to grant Eskom and Landis+Gyr officials access to their properties and to have all critical information readily available, including their identity documents and contact details. Contractors will be wearing Landis+Gyr overalls and will carry identification cards.
All customers will receive a new smart meter at no cost. Any electricity credit from their old meter will be transferred to the new smart meter. If a prepaid customer has not been purchasing electricity, they will be issued with a remedial charge of R6 052.60. Although the meter will be changed immediately, electricity will not be switched on until the remedial charge has been paid in full.
Should tampering on the newly installed smart meter be detected, a remedial charge of R12 105.20 will be issued and prosecution under the Criminal Matters Amendment Acts will be considered. Failure to pay the tamper fee or continuous tampering will result in the installation being removed.
Smart meters should not be tampered with, as Eskom is able to monitor buying patterns in real time. All payments, including remedial charges, must only be made through the official Eskom bank account.
Any suspicious behaviour should be reported at 086 003 7566 or via the Eskom toll-free crime hotline on 0800 11 27 22.
Together, communities can eliminate load reduction and shape a brighter, sustainable energy future for South Africa through building a future-ready grid.
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