Time running out to update prepaid electricity metres

Capetonians have until Sunday November 24 to update prepaid electricity meters via the City’s prepaid electricity metre software update project.

According to the City, prepaid metres must be updated or customers won’t be able to recharge their metres with new tokens and won't have electricity.

The City said that more than 99% of prepaid meres in City-supplied areas in Cape Town have been updated with new software so the programme is coming to an end soon.

For more information on how to update your prepaid metre, email power@capetown.gov.za or call 0860 103 089.

However, the City’s mayoral committee member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg said the prepaid software update should not be confused with the City’s electricity metre replacement programme that is currently under way.

This programme replaces old single and three-phase electricity credit metres with new prepaid metres in City-supplied suburbs.

Ms Limberg said the replacement is free of charge and compulsory and the new metre will ensure more accurate readings, greater usage control, and cost management.

The City, she said, has appointed contractors that will be replacing older electricity credit meters and phasing in brand new prepaid meters. The costs will be covered by the City.

In addition, she said, qualifying households may be considered to be placed on the subsidised Lifeline Tariff where applicable.

“We encourage residents to reach out to us to make the switch,” she said.

City teams and contractors are delivering letters to residents in scheduled areas over the next few months. 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 being finalised. For more information click here.