Smart Meter Deadline – In a major announcement that affects millions of prepaid electricity users across South Africa, authorities have declared that all consumers must install smart prepaid electricity meters by July 28, 2025. After this date, those without the newly approved smart meters will no longer be able to purchase prepaid electricity tokens, effectively leaving them in the dark. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), in partnership with Eskom and various municipalities, has rolled out this urgent initiative under the National Smart Meter Compliance Mandate. The purpose is to transition the country’s outdated prepaid electricity infrastructure into a secure, modern, and centrally controlled system. This deadline has triggered widespread concern, especially among low-income households, tenants, and small property owners who fear they may miss the cut-off date due to long waiting lists, technical issues, or lack of information. Authorities are urging all citizens to act immediately, update their personal details, and schedule smart meter installations before the deadline passes. Here’s a complete breakdown of what this new rule means for prepaid electricity users, the consequences of inaction, and how to make sure you’re not left without power.
Who Is Affected by the Smart Meter Deadline?
This section provides a quick overview of which South Africans need to take action before July 28, 2025.
- All prepaid electricity users with STS (Standard Transfer Specification) meters.
- Households using prepaid meters installed before 2014.
- Renters or landlords responsible for electricity metering.
- Businesses and institutions with bulk prepaid setups.
- Households with malfunctioning, non-upgradable meters.
- Residents in areas under Eskom, municipal, or third-party supply.
- Prepaid users who have not upgraded their meter tokens (TID rollover).
Why the Smart Meter Deadline Matters – What Happens After July 28?
Once the July 28, 2025 deadline passes, old prepaid meters will become non-functional. Here’s why this is critical:
- STS-compliant meters will stop accepting new prepaid tokens.
- All electricity purchases will be rejected or invalid without a smart meter.
- Households will experience complete power disconnection.
- Token supply systems will be disabled for outdated meters.
- Reconnection will require full smart meter installation – delays expected.
- Penalties or surcharges may be added for late compliance.
Key Impacts of the Smart Meter Deadline
The transition is not just a technical change—it affects how you manage power in your home.
- Loss of power for households without compliance.
- Rising installation backlogs closer to deadline.
- Ineligible households may need to pay upfront.
- Municipal disconnection orders post-deadline.
- Surge in electrician and contractor demand.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check and Replace Your Meter
Not sure if you’re affected? Here’s how to find out and what to do:
- Check your current meter model – if it’s STS or older, you must upgrade.
- Contact your local electricity provider or municipality.
- Schedule a free smart meter installation (if eligible).
- Confirm your TID (Token Identifier) is updated.
- If renting, consult with your landlord urgently.
- Track your meter number and update ID/address records.
- Store your last prepaid token receipts for reference.
Official Smart Meter Installation Timeline by Region
| Province | Deadline Date | Priority Households | Installers Assigned | Backlog Cases | Contact Centre | Free for Users? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | July 10, 2025 | 850,000+ | 7 Contractors | 190,000 | 0800-123-456 | Yes |
| Western Cape | July 15, 2025 | 300,000+ | 5 Contractors | 78,000 | 0861-001-002 | Yes |
| KwaZulu-Natal | July 20, 2025 | 620,000+ | 6 Contractors | 150,000 | 0800-456-789 | Yes |
| Limpopo | July 22, 2025 | 230,000+ | 3 Contractors | 55,000 | 0860-555-000 | Yes |
| Mpumalanga | July 24, 2025 | 210,000+ | 4 Contractors | 42,000 | 0800-900-800 | Yes |
| Free State | July 25, 2025 | 170,000+ | 2 Contractors | 38,000 | 0860-123-600 | Yes |
| Eastern Cape | July 27, 2025 | 320,000+ | 4 Contractors | 90,000 | 0800-789-321 | Yes |
What Are Smart Meters? Why Are They Being Mandated?
Smart meters allow real-time communication between homes and electricity providers. Here’s why they’re replacing STS meters:
- Automatically update your consumption data.
- Allow remote disconnection and reconnection.
- Prevent electricity theft and bypassing.
- Provide detailed usage reports.
- Help stabilize grid supply during load-shedding.
- Enable prepaid balance monitoring via mobile apps.
Advantages of Smart Prepaid Meters for Consumers
- No more token punching or meter errors.
- Easier tracking of daily usage and balance.
- Instant recharge and payment via mobile banking.
- Early alerts before balance runs out.
- Better support from customer care units.
What If You Miss the Deadline? Consequences Explained
Failure to act before July 28 will trigger strict penalties and inconvenience:
- Power supply suspension without warning.
- Mandatory full-meter upgrade with possible waiting period.
- No access to token systems after meter blocks.
- Higher risk of technical faults when reactivating late.
- No legal right to compensation for missed deadlines.
- Repeat renters may face eviction notices due to non-compliance.
Urgent Action for Landlords and Tenants
Landlords must ensure meter upgrades in all rental units, or:
- Risk legal action from tenants denied electricity.
- Be fined under municipal compliance laws.
- Delay in rental license renewals post-August.
Tenants should:
- Notify landlords immediately.
- Provide ID and lease agreements to local offices.
- Document current meter details with time-stamped photos.
Municipal Installation Schedules and Contacts
Different municipalities have published their own upgrade schedules.
| Municipality | Meter Upgrade Deadline | Contact Line | Installation Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg City Power | July 18, 2025 | 011-490-7000 | 8 AM – 5 PM Daily |
| Ekurhuleni Metro | July 20, 2025 | 0860-543-000 | 7 AM – 4 PM Daily |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | July 22, 2025 | 012-358-9999 | 8 AM – 3 PM Daily |
| Cape Town | July 24, 2025 | 0800-221-355 | 9 AM – 5 PM Daily |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | July 25, 2025 | 041-506-5555 | 8 AM – 2 PM Weekdays |
Token Identifier Roll-Over (TID) – A Hidden Deadline Before July 28
Older STS meters require a TID update before they can be upgraded. If you skip this step:
- Even newly installed meters may fail to accept tokens.
- Update TID using a special 20-digit code from your provider.
- Codes must be entered in a specific order—ask your installer.
Costs, Subsidies, and Installation Delays – What to Expect
While the rollout is subsidized, certain users may face complications:
- Late applicants might face service fees post-deadline.
- Remote areas may receive mobile van installations later.
- If no technicians are available before July 28, register on the official waiting list.
- Households over the R500,000 valuation may pay partial costs.
Missing the July 28, 2025 smart meter deadline means more than inconvenience—it could mean days or weeks without electricity. With the entire prepaid system being phased out for outdated meters, every user must check their meter, update their TID code if required, and book a smart meter installation immediately. Time is running out, and municipalities may not be able to accommodate late rushes. If you rely on prepaid electricity, this is your last call to stay connected.
FAQs – Smart Meter Rollout in South Africa
Q1: Is the smart meter installation free?
Yes, it is free for all eligible households before July 28. Post-deadline, fees may apply.
Q2: Can I still use my current tokens after the new meter is installed?
No. Old tokens will be rejected. Only newly generated smart meter tokens will be accepted.
Q3: I’m a tenant. Should I wait for my landlord to act?
No. You must inform your landlord and municipality immediately. Delays could leave you powerless.
Q4: What documents are needed for booking an installation?
You need your ID, proof of address, old meter number, and recent token slip.
Q5: Will smart meters work during load-shedding?
Yes, but only to display balance or reconnect. Power depends on grid availability.
Q6: I missed the deadline. Can I still get a meter?
Yes, but expect a waiting period and possible reconnection charges. Act before July 28 to avoid this.