Eskom Smart Meter – South African households are once again in a state of panic as Eskom, the country’s main electricity provider, has issued a strict ultimatum: “No Smart Meter, No Power” from July 28, 2025. This controversial decision means that any consumer who hasn’t installed Eskom’s new generation smart meter will face a complete disconnection of electricity supply. The policy has been confirmed in official documents and already affects thousands of homes where smart meter installations are pending or refused. The smart meter rollout, which began in phases last year, aims to modernize Eskom’s outdated billing and load management systems. These digital meters enable Eskom to monitor usage in real-time, prevent energy theft, and enforce load-shedding more precisely. However, what was once marketed as a convenience is now becoming a hardline rule, leaving citizens with just weeks to act. The smart meters are being installed for free in many areas, but several communities have raised concerns about meter errors, sudden disconnections, and lack of education about how the meters work. Still, Eskom maintains that failure to comply by July 28 will result in being cut off, regardless of past payment records or ongoing disputes. If you or someone you know still uses a conventional meter or has delayed installation, this article will guide you through what to do, how to check your area’s status, and what penalties or exemptions may apply. Act fast—because the countdown to “no meter, no power” has officially begun.
Who Will Be Affected by Eskom Smart Meter Rule?
This change impacts all prepaid and postpaid customers currently using non-smart or legacy meters in select municipalities and Eskom-controlled zones.
- All households without a smart meter installed by July 28, 2025
- Customers in areas where installation teams have already visited
- Consumers who refused access or denied installation at the first visit
- Households in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State
- Both rural and urban regions under Eskom’s direct supply
- Customers flagged for suspected meter tampering or irregular usage
- Users with unpaid electricity dues or unverified property records
Eskom Smart Meter – Targeted Areas Under Immediate Risk
According to Eskom’s internal circulars, certain municipalities have been prioritized for aggressive enforcement of the new rule.
| Province | Municipality | Deadline Status | Risk Level | Install Rate | Pending Installs | Disconnections Planned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Tshwane | High Compliance | Medium | 80% | 20,300 | 7,000 |
| Gauteng | Ekurhuleni | Partial Coverage | High | 64% | 42,000 | 12,000 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town Metro | Pilot Completed | Low | 92% | 4,700 | 1,500 |
| Free State | Mangaung | Ongoing Rollout | High | 59% | 33,000 | 10,800 |
| Eastern Cape | Buffalo City | Behind Schedule | High | 41% | 38,000 | 14,000 |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni | Phase 2 Starting | Medium | 76% | 13,000 | 3,500 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini | Not Yet Covered | Low | 29% | 70,000+ | Unknown |
Eskom Smart Meter – What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance with the July 28 deadline comes with severe consequences for households and businesses still running on old meters.
- Power supply will be permanently cut off until a smart meter is installed
- Manual meter readings will no longer be accepted after July 28
- Prepaid meter recharge systems may reject top-ups
- You may need to pay a reconnection fee of up to R1,250
- Possible late installation charges for refused earlier visits
- Loss of eligibility for load-shedding schedule exemptions
- Risk of disconnection even for households with no outstanding bills
Eskom Smart Meter – How Will Eskom Enforce Disconnections?
Eskom has partnered with several subcontractors and law enforcement units to begin a door-to-door crackdown starting July 29.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Smart meter check or visit verification |
| 2 | Meter mismatch flag raised in system |
| 3 | Disconnection team alerted within 48 hours |
| 4 | Power supply disabled via remote signal |
| 5 | Final warning letter delivered (if possible) |
| 6 | Reconnection only after full installation |
Benefits of Installing a Smart Meter
While controversial, smart meters are intended to offer several long-term advantages to South African energy users.
- Real-time monitoring of your energy usage
- Reduced load-shedding impact during national outages
- More accurate billing with no estimate errors
- Early detection of faults or tampering
- Easier recharge and payment via mobile apps
- Integration with future solar or prepaid grid upgrades
- Option for energy-saving incentives in future
Cost Breakdown & Who Pays for Installation
Most households won’t need to pay for the smart meter installation if they comply within the deadline. However, certain users may be charged based on refusal history or special requests.
| Category | Installation Cost | Meter Cost | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time Residential Users | Free | Free | Installation must be accepted at first visit |
| Refused Installation Once | R550 | Free | Visit rescheduling required |
| Businesses or Factories | R1,200 | R800 | Includes extended capacity meter |
| Damaged Old Meter Holders | R620 | R450 | If damage is found to be user-caused |
| Smart Meter Replacements | R300 | Free | Only if reported fault is confirmed by Eskom |
| Meter Tampering Cases | R1,250 | R900 | Legal penalty + installation fee |
How to Check If You’re on Eskom’s Smart Meter List
If you’re unsure whether your household is due for a smart meter or already marked for disconnection, follow these steps now:
- Visit the Eskom official smart meter rollout portal
- Enter your customer number or meter number
- Check your current meter type and installation status
- Call Eskom support at 08600 37566 for direct verification
- Visit your local Eskom branch if the portal is unavailable
What to Do If You’ve Missed the Eskom Installation Team
Many households reported they weren’t home when the installation teams visited. Here’s how to schedule your smart meter now.
- Call Eskom’s appointment hotline before July 25
- Book a weekday morning slot for free installation
- Keep your proof of booking and confirmation number
- Ensure someone over 18 is home to grant access
- Report any fake technicians claiming to be from Eskom
Special Exemptions for Certain Households
Some customers may be exempted from the July 28 deadline if they fall into special categories recognized by Eskom.
- Elderly residents living alone with mobility issues
- Customers awaiting low-cost housing allocations
- Regions under legal disputes with Eskom
- Residents with official load-shedding medical exemptions
- Municipalities where Eskom lacks installation staff
Smart Meter Complaints – What You Should Know
Since the rollout began, over 17,000 complaints have been logged with Eskom about faulty smart meters or unexpected billing jumps.
- Lodge a complaint online via Eskom’s e-portal
- Attach proof of abnormal readings or sudden spikes
- Request a meter recheck within 14 days of filing
- If unresolved, escalate to NERSA or local municipality
| Complaint Type | Volume Reported | Resolved Rate | Average Resolution Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudden Disconnections | 6,200+ | 78% | 3.5 days |
| Billing Discrepancies | 5,400+ | 66% | 6 days |
| Technical Malfunctions | 3,100+ | 72% | 4 days |
| App/Recharge Problems | 1,850+ | 80% | 2.5 days |
| Access Denial by Installers | 720+ | 58% | 5.5 days |
As the deadline approaches, time is running out for households still relying on outdated meters. Eskom’s push for digital control may come with backlash, but the choice is simple: install the smart meter or live without electricity. Don’t wait for the blackout—get your smart meter installed today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I still use my current prepaid meter after July 28?
No, if it’s not a smart meter, your electricity will be disconnected as per Eskom’s mandate.
Q2. Will I be charged for the smart meter installation?
Installation is free for most households who accept it before July 28. Refusal or missed visits may lead to fees.
Q3. I don’t trust the new meters—can I opt out?
No. Eskom has made smart meter installation mandatory under national infrastructure reform guidelines.
Q4. What happens if I’m not at home when the team comes?
You must reschedule through Eskom’s call centre before the cutoff or face disconnection.
Q5. My meter was installed but it’s not working. What do I do?
Contact Eskom support and request a fault review. Replacements are usually free within warranty.