Cape Town has made significant progress in updating its prepaid electricity meters software, with over 84% of meters being upgraded. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to update all prepaid metering software in South Africa. The purpose is to prevent customers from being unable to recharge their meters, which could lead to power supply interruptions.
Remarkable Progress
The city has successfully updated approximately 504,000 prepaid meters, reaching over 65 areas in the metro. This progress has been possible due to the dedication of its teams working across the metro and the cooperation of its residents. Cape Town is outperforming other municipalities in the country in terms of progress.
Scheduled Upgrades
The remaining areas are scheduled to be covered in the coming months. The next areas in line for the upgrade, from September to October 2023, include Grassy Park, Ottery, Pelican Park, and Philippi. Gordons Bay, Helderberg, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, and Strand will be updated during November and December 2023.
Easy Instructions for Customers
Residents are encouraged to update their meters themselves by following three easy steps. After making a purchase, they will receive two 20-digit update codes and their usual prepaid token. Customers can then enter both update codes and their 20-digit token to recharge their units as normal.
Assistance Available
While most customers prefer to update their own meters, the City recommends helping family members, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, with the update process. Residents who require assistance can contact the City’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089 for help. City teams, easily identifiable with their identification and work order numbers, are also available to assist customers if required.
Importance of the Upgrade
The prepaid electricity meter software update is essential because the current software will expire in 2024 for all prepaid electricity meters in South Africa. The City has approximately 600,000 prepaid meters that need to be updated by December 2024.
Phased Approach
To facilitate the upgrade, the City has adopted a phased approach, updating meters according to an area schedule. Update codes will only be issued to customers in areas earmarked for updating in a specific month. Customers in areas not yet reached for updating will not be eligible to update their meters.
Troubleshooting and Faulty Meters
For those who encounter any issues during the update process or suspect that their meter may be faulty, the City’s Call Centre is available to provide assistance. It is worth noting that updates to the software of City prepaid electricity meters will not affect the user’s electricity usage or lead to a decrease in electricity units.
Success of the Project
By successfully implementing the prepaid electricity meter software upgrade, Cape Town is setting a shining example for other municipalities across the country. With continued effort and support, the City is on track to complete the project in the next few months.
