Eskom’s Smart Meter Rollout in Gauteng: A New Era of Power Control for Residents

If you’re living in Sandton or Midrand, Eskom might be knocking on your door soon – and for a good reason. The power utility has kicked off its rollout of smart prepaid meters, offering households a modern way to manage their electricity, cut costs, and reduce power outages. And here’s the kicker: it won’t cost you a cent.

A smarter approach to electricity use

The new smart meters are a game-changer. Unlike old-style meters, these digital devices track electricity consumption in real time and deduct usage from a prepaid balance. That means no more surprise bills or dodgy estimations. If you run out of credit, the meter simply disconnects power and reconnects automatically when you top up.

You can buy tokens at supermarkets, banks, online, or from trusted vendors, then punch in the code using a compact Customer Interface Unit (CIU) in your home. The CIU shows your remaining units and even blinks faster when you’re using more power, it’s like having a mini dashboard for your electricity.

Why this matters for Gauteng

This isn’t just about individual households. Eskom is hoping these meters will help solve a much bigger problem: rampant electricity theft and service reliability issues. In Gauteng, illegal connections and meter tampering have long plagued communities, leading to unplanned outages and unfair loads on the system. The new meters come with anti-tampering tech and two-way communication, allowing Eskom to remotely monitor usage, detect faults, and keep the lights on more consistently.

Eskom’s regional spokesperson says the goal is simple: make energy use more transparent, efficient, and fair for everyone. And with no installation cost, it’s hard to argue.

Community-first rollout

Before drilling into walls, Eskom is starting with real conversations. Expect to see community forums, ward meetings, door-to-door visits, and educational campaigns rolling out alongside the meters. They’re also using the opportunity to raise awareness about related programmes like Free Basic Electricity (FBE), Inclining Block Tariffs (IBT), and other energy-saving tips.

For many households, especially those juggling tight budgets, understanding how to stretch every kilowatt matters.

Public reaction: cautious optimism

Social media has been a mix of praise and questions. On Twitter, some users are cheering the move as long overdue. “Finally! No more waiting for meter readers,” one user wrote. But others remain skeptical, raising concerns about possible glitches, remote disconnections, or whether the system will work reliably during power cuts.

Still, the general tone is hopeful especially with Eskom committing to ongoing support and transparency.

A brief history: from manual to modern

South Africa has lagged behind many countries in smart energy infrastructure. For years, Eskom relied heavily on manual systems – outdated meters, paper bills, and in-person meter readings. In contrast, countries like Kenya and Ghana have been ahead in adopting smart prepaid models, especially in urban areas. This Gauteng project marks one of the utility’s most ambitious steps toward catching up.

How to make the most of your meter

• Buy tokens only from authorised vendors to avoid scams.

• Monitor your CIU screen regularly to track usage and budget.

• Report suspicious activity like illegal connections – the new meters can help Eskom act faster.

• Take advantage of FBE if eligible, as it provides a basic amount of electricity for free each month.

This smart meter rollout is more than just a tech upgrade, it’s about empowering residents to take control of their energy use. And in a province where outages, illegal hookups, and billing headaches have become routine, that’s a welcome shift.

So, if you live in Sandton or Midrand, keep an eye out for Eskom’s community teams. This could be your first step into a smarter, more reliable energy future.

For details on how to apply or get support, check Eskom’s website or email your local regional office.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com