Smart Meter Programme
Eskom currently has 1 000 000 customers using smart meters. The project to rollout smart meters to the rest of the customers, will run from 2025 to 2029. Customer will be informed as and when their areas are next in line for the replacement of meters.
A smart meter is an electricity meter with a type of technology that allows customers to see consumption, enables consumers to budget their energy cost, and allows Eskom to remotely monitor and adjust the electricity supply, based on the needs of the utility at the time. Eskom will communicate the smart meter programme through a comprehensive education campaign to customers. Look out for more information on radio, leaflets and on Eskom social media such as Facebook, Eskom X posts, Eskom You Tube channel videos, community forums and Connect customer communiques. Eskom customers are encouraged to follow Eskom social media platforms to stay updated:
Twitter: @Eskom_SA
Facebook: @EskomSouthAfrica
Instagram: @eskom_holdings
Eskom Alfred Chatbot will provide updated information as it becomes available. https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/
Eskom customers are advised to contact their local Eskom office and provide your latest contact details for the Eskom database. This ensures you don’t miss valuable information with regards to visits to your home for this roll out.
Benefits for customers and Eskom
The benefits of smart meters for our customers:
- Real-Time usage tracking:
- Allows you to monitor your electricity consumption in real time, often via a smartphone app or web portal.
- Encourages energy-saving behaviour by showing which appliances use the most electricity.
- Accurate billing:
- Eliminates estimated bills by providing exact usage data.
- Helps avoid overcharges or undercharges.
- Faster problem detection:
- Alerts for unusual usage patterns can indicate faulty appliances or energy waste.
- Time-of-Use Pricing:
- Enables users to shift usage to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, potentially lowering bills.
- No need for manual meter readings:
- Automatically sends readings to Eskom, saving time and hassle.
The benefits of smart meters for Eskom:
- Improved load management:
- Helps manage demand more efficiently and avoid loadshedding during peak times.
- Remote monitoring and troubleshooting:
- Enables quick detection of outages and faults in the grid.
- Reduced operational costs:
- Reduces Eskom’s costs as no need for meter reading contracts and service calls.
- Better forecasting and planning:
- Detailed usage data supports better infrastructure planning and energy distribution.
Caution!
Customers are cautioned to only allow identifiable, confirmed contractors into their home to install their smart meter.
- Always make sure you have seen a smart meter roll out message in the media.
- Check that your area is currently having the roll out.
- Make sure that you check the authentic identification of anyone posing as an installer and wanting to enter your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Eskom start rolling out fully enabled smart meters?
Eskom currently has 800 000 customers using smart meters, from 2025 to 2027 the rest of the customers will get smart meters.
How many meters must Eskom replace?
Eskom currently has 600 000 customers using smart meters. From 2025 to 2027 the rest of the customers will get smart meters.
How does a fully enabled smart meter work?
A smart meter is an electricity meter with a type of technology that allows customers to see consumption, enables consumers to budget their energy cost, and allows Eskom to remotely monitor and adjust the electricity supply, based on the needs of the utility at the time.
How do I check if my smart meter is “fully enabled”?
Once you have indicated interest to participate, using the meter details, Eskom will verify on its system and provide confirmation on whether the smart meter is fully enabled for this initiative. Call 08600 37655 and speak to an agent.
I am an Eskom customer, and I don’t want a fully enabled smart meter?
Eskom customers do not have the choice as to what technology is used to deliver their electricity to their homes. Eskom will be rolling out fully enabled smart meters to all its customers, and all old meters will become redundant and be removed.
How will I know when Eskom is coming to replace my old meter with a fully enabled smart meter?
Eskom will communicate the smart meter programme through a comprehensive education campaign to customers. Eskom will use one or all of the following to reach customers:
regional radio, media releases, radio interviews, leaflets, Facebook and Eskom X posts, Eskom You Tube channel videos, community forums and Connect customer communiques.
Eskom customers are encouraged to follow Eskom social media platforms to stay updated:
Twitter: @Eskom_SA https://twitter.com/Eskom_SA
Facebook: @EskomSouthAfrica https://www.facebook.com/EskomSouthAfrica
Instagram: @eskom_holdings https://instagram.com/eskom_holdings?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Eskom chatbot Alfred will provide updated information as it becomes available. https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/
Eskom customers are advised to contact their local Eskom office and provide your latest contact details for the Eskom database. This ensures you don’t miss valuable information with regard to visits to your home for this roll out.
Is this an Eskom only project?
The replacing of old type meters with fully enabled smart meters is an Eskom only project.
What about the electricity units left on my old meter before the old meter is replaced with a smart meter?
Credit in the meter at the time of replacement will be unaffected.