The multimillion rand project to install new smart electricity prepaid meters launched two years ago has resumed after it was halted due to residents’ discontent that meters were not user-friendly.
Ward Councillor Naeem Patel said he received many calls from residents with regards to the installation of prepaid meters. “I queried this with council. I was informed that prepaid meters are being installed in our ward and will continue over the next few months.”
Mayor Randall Williams said the meters were an exciting step towards realising the City’s adoption of smart, resident focused technology.
The current phase would include installing more than 24 000 meters and replacing the old ones at different households.
“Residents will be notified through pamphlets seven days prior to the scheduled installation. Residents will also be presented with user manuals on how to use the keypad or meter once the installation has been completed,” he said.
The installation would contribute to developing a completely smart metered electricity network that benefits all the metro’s residents.
“The newly installed prepaid meters will be preloaded with 5kWh and consumers are then encouraged to load more units on to the new meter for their own household usage,” Williams said.
