Prepaid Meter Rollout: What Consumers Should Know - Whats on Gauteng

Eskom has begun rolling out smart prepaid meters in Gauteng, starting with the Sandton and Midrand areas. The government (or relevant authority, if specified) launched this initiative as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade to improve electricity service quality, reduce energy theft, and empower consumers with better control over their electricity usage. The rollout is free of charge for residential customers and includes extensive community engagement to ensure smooth adoption.

RELEVANT ARTICLE: Eskom Load Reduction Schedule for Gauteng: 10–16 June 2025

Smart prepaid meters are digital devices that record electricity consumption in real time and deduct usage from a prepaid balance loaded by the customer. These meters feature two-way communication, allowing Eskom to remotely read data, detect outages, identify tampering, and send updates or instructions. The meters work alongside a Customer Interface Unit (CIU) that displays current credit and consumption data, helping users manage their electricity more efficiently.

The rollout addresses several challenges Eskom and its customers face:

The rollout began in early 2025 and targets urban areas such as Sandton and Midrand. Eskom has prioritised community engagement through meetings, door-to-door education, and customer forums to inform residents about the new meters and related programmes like Free Basic Electricity (FBE) and Inclining Block Tariffs (IBT).

Eskom (or the relevant authority) encourages customers to purchase prepaid tokens only from authorised vendors such as banks, retail shops, and online platforms to avoid fraud and ensure correct credit loading. The CIU shows remaining electricity units and flashes faster as consumption increases, providing a visual cue to help manage usage.

NOTABLE READ: City Power Schedules 8‑Hour Daily Outages Across Johannesburg This Week

The Standard Transfer Specification Association (STSA) requires Eskom customers to complete a mandatory prepaid meter recoding process. Customers must recode all prepaid meters by 24 November 2024 to ensure they continue accepting electricity tokens. Failure to do so will result in meters becoming inactive once existing credit runs out. Eskom provides a do-it-yourself recoding process at no cost and warns customers against paying for this service.

CHECK OUT: City Power Warns of Increased Outages in Johannesburg Amid Cold Weather

Eskom plans to expand the smart prepaid meter rollout beyond Gauteng to other provinces between 2025 and 2027. The utility encourages customers to stay informed through official channels and participate in community engagements to understand the benefits and usage of smart prepaid meters.

INTERESTING ARTICLE: Joburg Water and Electricity Meter Verifications Planned for These Areas in May 2025

Eskom’s smart prepaid meter rollout in Gauteng represents a significant step towards modernising electricity billing and management. By leveraging advanced technology, the utility aims to improve service delivery, reduce theft, and empower consumers with greater control over their electricity consumption. This initiative promises a more transparent, efficient, and reliable electricity supply for Gauteng residents.