The City’s Energy Directorate is rolling out new, smarter electricity meters in different areas of the metro over the next few months. This programme is compulsory and free, helping customers in many ways. Replacing old City-owned meters will reduce the risk of incorrect readings, improves energy usage for residents and enables qualifying customers to benefit from the subsidised Lifeline tariff. This programme is part of a big investment drive in energy infrastructure and electricity meters inside homes remain the property of the City. Read more below:
‘The City’s contractor will replace older credit meters with new prepaid meters in City-supplied areas across the metro. When it’s time to replace a meter, residents will receive a letter at home to set up an appointment or a call from a staff member to arrange an appointment. After scheduling, customers can, if they wish, confirm the authenticity of their appointment by phoning the City’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089 and quoting the reference number.
‘This meter replacement programme is highly beneficial for residents. The new meters help with managing costs, getting accurate readings, and controlling and monitoring usage. They also allow eligible residents to switch to the affordable Lifeline Tariff, which includes Free Basic Electricity. The price of electricity is the same for both old credit meters and new prepaid meters,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
Fast facts
· Compulsory programme
· Meter replacement enables Lifeline tariff benefits
· New meters do not ‘use’ more electricity, they merely measure the usage
· No difference in usage of electricity between the old and new meters
· New meters are part of an investment in accurate and new electrical infrastructure
· Electricity meters are the property of the City and reasonable access to premises is required in terms of the law
See this video for more information:
Old and New Meter comparison – City’s innovative Meter Replacement Programme
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. Please see the meter replacement programme FAQs.
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January – March 2025 |
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| Camps Bay | |
| Clifton | |
| Bantry Bay | |
| Fresnaye | |
| Sea Point | |
| Three Anchor Bay | |
| Green Point | |
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April – June 2025 |
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| Woodstock | |
| Salt River | |
| Observatory | |
| Foreshore | |
Tips for residents:
· To verify: contact the City’s Call Centre on 086 010 3089.
· Always verify the work order number when an official visits your home.
· Check the official’s City-issued identification card.
· The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor.
· If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
· Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS.
