The City of Cape Town announced that teams are now on standby, if required, to assist any customers who have not yet updated their electricity meters during the phased rollout.
While the majority of areas across Cape Town have already been updated in a phased approach, the City reminded residents that the software for all prepaid meters in the country must be updated, or customers will not be able to recharge their meters with new tokens and will be left without power supply.
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‘The City is in the final stretch of its electricity meter software upgrade programme with 95% of prepaid meters already updated according to plan. Approximately 619 000 meters have already been updated and all areas have been reached’ said City’s MMC for Energy Beverley van Reenen.
She added that the City plans to conduct mop-up operations over the next few weeks by revisiting areas where meters have not yet been updated.
‘Residents are urged to help their family members with their update where possible, particularly elderly family members and those with disabilities,’ added van Reenen.
Eligible customers who have not done so will notice that they are due for the update when they make a purchase and see the update codes.
Update it yourself:
When making a purchase, customers will receive two 20-digit update codes along with their usual prepaid token.
Customers who wish to update their prepaid metering software themselves can follow these three easy steps:
- Enter the first 20-digit update code and wait for it to accept.
- Enter the second 20-digit code and wait for it to accept.
- Enter the usual 20-digit token to recharge electricity units as normal.
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Update it with help:
While most customers prefer updating their own meters, those who require assistance are encouraged to contact the City by:
- SMS – 31220
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone City Call Centre – 0860 103 089
Some City of Cape Town teams are on standby to assist any customers in need of assistance with the updates and others are in the process of visiting areas across the metro according to a schedule. A team can be arranged by phoning the City’s Call Centre.
Some frequently asked questions:
Why must prepaid electricity meters be updated?
The current prepaid electricity metering software will expire in December 2024 for all prepaid electricity meters in South Africa
For how long are the update codes valid?
The two 20-digit update codes must be entered into the meter immediately after it has been supplied as no other recharge token will be accepted by the meter.
What happens if I throw away my slip? Will I be able to get the 20-digit codes again?
You would have to phone the City to get the code. Currently, there is no way to get a copy from a vendor so be sure to take a picture of the slip or make a note of the two 20-digit codes.
Will my area be visited again?
The City plans to go by area to revisit any meters that are not updated, regardless of the area, as part of its mop-up operation that is currently underway.
Will my old unused tokens still work after the upgrade?
No, all old tokens must be entered prior to the update being completed.
Will my electricity meter use more electricity after the software update?
Updates to the software of City prepaid electricity meters will not affect the user’s electricity usage in any way, as it does not affect the meter’s calibration.
Will my electricity units disappear or decrease when the meter is updated?
No, a customer’s electricity units will not be affected by the update. However, should customers have any technical issues, they are encouraged to call the City’s Call Centre.
How do I verify whether a person coming to my home to assist me with an update is from the City?
Teams will carry ID cards and work order numbers. Customers may also phone the City’s Call Centre for verification.
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Also read:
Don’t be fooled by fake City of Cape Town electricity officials
Picture: David Malan / Gallo Images