Smart Meter Installations – South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has issued a firm and urgent directive to households across the country: install a smart electricity meter by July 28, 2025—or risk being disconnected from the national grid. With energy theft, billing inefficiencies, and load-shedding planning issues on the rise, this move is seen as part of Eskom’s broader effort to modernize its energy infrastructure and reduce strain on the already stressed power system. Eskom’s announcement has caused significant concern among thousands of residents, especially in regions where the rollout of smart meters has been delayed or resisted. As part of the new national compliance rule, customers who fail to install a smart meter by the stipulated date will be disconnected until compliance is confirmed. For many, this could mean no power during winter—a harsh reality Eskom is making very clear. Smart meters are not just about usage tracking—they allow for real-time data, better billing accuracy, and faster response to outages. While some municipalities have already completed installations in key areas, others lag behind due to logistical, financial, or community resistance issues. In this article, we’ll break down who’s affected, what you must do, deadlines, benefits, risks, and how to apply. We’ll also include official tables with affected regions, compliance procedures, key Eskom deadlines, and a FAQ section to address public concerns. Read on to ensure you don’t lose electricity in your home come July 28.
Who Is Affected by Eskom’s Smart Meter Installations Rule?
This rule applies to all prepaid and postpaid Eskom residential electricity users in designated urban and peri-urban zones.
- All households using traditional electricity meters
- Homes with faulty or tampered meters
- Areas with high non-payment rates
- High-density urban areas like Gauteng, Limpopo, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal
- Customers previously issued warning notices or reconnection penalties
High-Priority Municipalities for Smart Meter Installations Rollout
Below is a table showing key regions where Eskom is enforcing stricter smart meter deadlines:
| Province | Key City/Town | Smart Meter Status | Disconnection Risk | Compliance Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | 70% Completed | High | July 28, 2025 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | 40% Completed | Very High | July 28, 2025 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban | 55% Completed | Medium | July 28, 2025 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | 80% Completed | Low | July 28, 2025 |
| Eastern Cape | Mthatha | 35% Completed | High | July 28, 2025 |
| North West | Mahikeng | 50% Completed | Medium | July 28, 2025 |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | 60% Completed | Low | July 28, 2025 |
How to Check If Your Area Requires a Smart Meter Installations
Eskom has made area-based compliance tracking available through their online portal and municipal notifications.
- Visit the Eskom Smart Meter Check Portal: www.eskom.co.za/smartmeter
- Enter your meter number or account ID
- Check compliance status and installation requirement
- Contact your municipality if listed as “Pending”
- Households not listed must still verify if their meter is legacy or digital
Physical Signs Your Meter Needs Replacement
If you’re unsure whether you need a smart meter, here’s what to look for:
- Old analog dials instead of digital display
- No ability to top up remotely via app or USSD
- Meter not linked to Eskom database or prepaid gateway
- Invoices show estimated charges rather than real-time usage
Benefits of Installing a Smart Electricity Meter
Smart meters come with several important advantages, both for households and the national grid:
- Accurate billing based on real-time usage
- Faster fault detection and outage alerts
- Allows mobile or online top-ups
- Reduced tampering and illegal connections
- Better load-shedding planning by region
- Enables time-of-use pricing in future
Estimated Cost Savings for Consumers
| Household Size | Monthly Usage | Old Billing Estimate | Smart Meter Bill | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Person | 150 kWh | R380 | R310 | R70 |
| Small Family | 300 kWh | R790 | R660 | R130 |
| Large Family | 500 kWh | R1350 | R1150 | R200 |
| Shared Housing | 700 kWh | R1800 | R1510 | R290 |
How to Apply for a Smart Meter Installation
Eskom and partner municipalities have set up both online and offline channels for residents to apply.
- Visit www.eskom.co.za/smartmeter-apply
- Choose your province and local municipality
- Submit your address and existing meter number
- Upload proof of residence and ID
- Get a reference number and wait for scheduling call/SMS
Hotline and Support Channels
If you encounter issues, you can also contact Eskom via:
- Smart Meter Hotline: 08600 37566 (select Option 2)
- WhatsApp Help: 060 701 2552
- Municipal office walk-in desks (check hours)
What Happens If You Miss the July 28 Deadline?
Failure to comply with Eskom’s mandate may result in:
- Immediate disconnection of electricity supply
- Non-eligibility for post-cutoff emergency reconnection
- Penalty fee for delayed installation
- Reported non-compliance to the National Energy Regulator (NERSA)
Key Timeline for Non-Compliant Users
| Action | Deadline | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Submit smart meter application | July 15, 2025 | Ensures installation by deadline |
| Installation appointment | Before July 28 | Mandatory |
| Failure to apply or cooperate | July 28, 2025 | Power disconnection |
| Reconnection request | After July 28 | Delay of 7–21 days |
Exceptions and Special Cases
Some exceptions may apply, but they must be formally documented.
- Remote rural areas with no rollout logistics yet
- Households with medical dependency (oxygen, dialysis)
- Households in dispute with Eskom on billing
- Court orders delaying disconnection in certain municipalities
Required Documentation for Exceptions
- Doctor’s note for medical reliance
- Eskom billing statement and ID copy
- Affidavit explaining resistance or dispute
- Local councilor’s letter for rural exemption
To avoid losing power during peak winter demand, it is critical for all households to comply with Eskom’s smart meter mandate. With the July 28 deadline approaching fast, proactive action can save you from costly disconnections and service delays. Act now to protect your household, secure continuous supply, and benefit from accurate, transparent billing under Eskom’s new compliance rule.
FAQs of Smart Meter Installations
1. What happens if I apply but Eskom delays the installation?
You will not be disconnected if you have a valid reference number and applied before the deadline.
2. Is there any cost involved for the smart meter?
Eskom is covering the basic cost. Only damage-related or tampering cases may incur fees.
3. Can tenants apply for a smart meter?
Yes, tenants can apply with a valid lease agreement and landlord permission.
4. Are postpaid users also required to switch?
Yes, all residential users, prepaid or postpaid, are included under this rule.
5. What should I do if I receive a disconnection warning?
Immediately call the Eskom hotline and initiate your meter installation process online or at your municipal office.