The City of Cape Town is taking proactive measures to help customers in designated areas upgrade their prepaid electricity meters to new software. Eligible customers will receive two upgrade codes with their electricity purchase, and city teams are available to provide support if needed. The upgrades will not affect electricity consumption or existing units, and mop-up operations will be conducted in early 2024 to ensure all meters are upgraded before the deadline. The City is committed to delivering reliable and efficient power supply services to its residents.
What proactive measures is the City of Cape Town taking to facilitate prepaid electricity meter upgrades for customers?
To ensure a seamless transition to the new prepaid electricity meter software, the City of Cape Town is actively assisting customers in designated areas with upgrades. Eligible customers will receive two upgrade codes with their electricity purchase and can initiate the process independently or contact the City for assistance. The upgrades will not impact electricity consumption or existing units, and mop-up operations will be performed in early 2024 to ensure all meters are upgraded before the deadline.
Proactive Measures for a Seamless Transition
To guarantee a smooth shift to the new prepaid electricity meter software, the City of Cape Town is actively taking steps to help customers living in Gordon’s Bay, Helderberg, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, and Strand. The deadline for upgrading prepaid electricity meters in these areas is set for 31 December 2023. With city teams ready to provide support if required, residents are urged to take part in this essential upgrade process to prevent possible power supply interruptions.
The necessity for upgrading prepaid electricity meters stems from the upcoming expiration of the current software in 2024. If the meters are not updated, customers will be unable to recharge their meters with new tokens, ultimately leaving them without a power supply. To avert this, the City has implemented a phased approach to upgrade approximately 558,000 meters across 73 areas.
Eligible customers will receive two upgrade codes with their electricity purchase. They can initiate the upgrade process by following these straightforward steps:
- Enter the first 20-digit upgrade code and wait for it to be accepted.
- Enter the second 20-digit upgrade code and wait for it to be accepted.
- Enter the usual 20-digit electricity token.
City Assistance and Self-Service Options
Most customers prefer to upgrade their meters independently. However, those who need help can contact the City via SMS, email, or phone. City teams, recognizable by their identification and work order numbers, are fully prepared and available to assist customers with the upgrades. Residents can also verify the identity of team members by calling the City’s call center.
It is crucial to note that the meter upgrades do not impact a resident’s electricity consumption, as they do not modify the meter’s calibration. Additionally, existing electricity units will not be affected by the upgrade. In case of any technical issues, customers are advised to contact the City’s call center for support.
Although the majority of the meters are being upgraded according to the area schedule, there are some exceptions. Customers who do not reside in a designated area for upgrading will not be eligible to upgrade their meters yet and will not automatically receive upgrade codes with their standard purchase until their turn arrives.
Supporting Family Members and Mop-Up Operations
Recognizing that some residents may require help, the City encourages residents to assist their family members with their upgrades, particularly elderly family members and those with disabilities. For any questions or concerns, residents can contact the City’s call center at 0860 103 089.
In addition to the ongoing upgrade process, the City plans to revisit areas where prepaid electricity meters have not been upgraded, performing mop-up operations in early 2024. This will ensure that all meters are upgraded before the deadline, maintaining an uninterrupted power supply for the people of Cape Town.
Commitment to Reliable and Efficient Power Supply
The City’s dedication to helping its residents with prepaid electricity meter upgrades demonstrates its commitment to delivering dependable and effective power supply services. By adopting this proactive approach, the City is protecting its residents from potential power supply disruptions, guaranteeing a smooth transition to the new prepaid metering software.
1. What areas are eligible for prepaid electricity meter upgrades in Cape Town?
Gordon’s Bay, Helderberg, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, and Strand are the designated areas eligible for prepaid electricity meter upgrades in Cape Town.
2. What is the deadline for upgrading prepaid electricity meters in Cape Town?
The deadline for upgrading prepaid electricity meters in designated areas of Cape Town is set for 31 December 2023.
3. Will the upgrades affect electricity consumption or existing units?
No, the upgrades will not impact electricity consumption or existing units, as they do not modify the meter’s calibration.
4. How can eligible customers initiate the upgrade process?
Eligible customers can initiate the upgrade process by entering the two 20-digit upgrade codes they receive with their electricity purchase, followed by their regular 20-digit electricity token.
5. Can city teams assist customers with the upgrades?
Yes, city teams are available to assist customers with the upgrades if needed. Customers can contact the City via SMS, email, or phone to request assistance.
6. What should customers do if they experience technical issues during the upgrade process?
Customers should contact the City’s call center for support if they experience any technical issues during the upgrade process.
7. Will customers who do not reside in designated areas receive upgrade codes with their standard purchase?
No, customers who do not reside in designated areas for upgrading will not receive upgrade codes with their standard purchase until their turn arrives.
8. What is the City of Cape Town’s commitment to reliable and efficient power supply?
The City of Cape Town is committed to delivering reliable and efficient power supply services to its residents, as demonstrated by its proactive approach to prepaid electricity meter upgrades.
