Will the prepaid meter deadline be extended? Ramokgopa weighs in

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has affirmed that the November 24 deadline for re-coding prepaid electricity meters will not be extended.

According to SABC, Ramokgopa said that technical constraints make an extension impossible when speaking to the media about the re-coding process and the Integrated Resource Plan.

“It’s not extendable, it’s a technical issue, we can’t extend it. So it’s a hard stop. The 24th, if you have not re-coded, then you are sitting with a different problem.” Ramokgopa stated.

Costs for non-compliance to prepaid meter updates

Ramokgopa highlighted the consequences of missing the deadline, which include potential costs for physical meter replacements. Eskom estimates that replacing a meter could cost consumers up to R12 000.

“But beyond the 24th, we have to physically remove the meter and that comes at a cost, it’s a significant cost and that cost must be borne by the consumer,” he explained.

“I guess the bigger cost is that you won’t have electricity.”

Eskom has urged customers to act immediately to avoid disruptions. The utility has extended its operating hours and launched multiple awareness campaigns to ensure consumers know how to update their meters.

How to avoid a blackout?

Prepaid electricity customers can re-code their meters by following simple instructions from Eskom or visiting designated service centres. Eskom warns that meters using the outdated Key Revision Number 1 (KR1) system will become inoperable after 24 November, as they will no longer accept electricity tokens.

The utility has also advised consumers to check their meter status to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of meter replacement.