These Cape Town suburbs are in line for ‘smarter’ electricity meters

The electricity meter replacement programme is bringing upgraded, ‘smarter’ meters to households across the Cape Town metro in the coming months.

This initiative, which is both compulsory and free, aims to improve energy efficiency and ensure accurate billing, the City said in a statement.

Moreover, it will give qualifying customers access to the Lifeline tariff—which includes Free Basic Electricity.

The hardware replacement comes after 2024’s prepaid electricity meter software upgrade.

Last November, the City of Cape Town successfully completed important updates on all its prepaid meters well ahead of other municipalities that were still working to meet the National Prepaid Meter Software Update deadline.

Why the electricity meter upgrade matters

The city-wide programme replaces outdated City-owned credit meters with new prepaid models. These meters are designed to provide residents with better control over their energy consumption and spending, while also reducing the risk of incorrect readings.

Importantly, there is no difference in electricity usage between the old and new meters. The new devices simply offer more accurate measurements and easier energy management.

This will be crucial going into the autumn and winter months.

“This meter replacement programme is highly beneficial for residents,” insists Alderman Xanthea Limberg, the City’s Mayco member for Energy.

“The new meters help with managing costs, getting accurate readings, and controlling and monitoring usage. They also allow eligible residents to switch to the affordable Lifeline Tariff, which includes Free Basic Electricity.

The price of electricity is the same for both old credit meters and new prepaid meters. For a real-time demonstration that proves this, click here.

How the process works

When it’s time to replace a meter in a scheduled area, residents will receive a letter (or phone call) from the City to arrange an appointment.

Since meters remain the property of the City, access to premises is required by law.

For added security, residents can confirm their appointment by calling the City’s Call Centre (0860 103 089) and quoting their reference number.

Areas and timeline for electricity meter replacements

January – March 2025:

• Camps Bay
• Clifton
• Bantry Bay
• Fresnaye
• Sea Point
• Three Anchor Bay
• Green Point

April – June 2025:

• Woodstock
• Salt River
• Observatory
• Foreshore

Is your area on the list?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. 

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