Smart meters for Ward 99 areas

Smart electricity meters will be installed for the first time in Ward 99 areas from April 16, according to the officials.

Ward 99 councillor Bruce Herbert, said City Power has identified areas with domestic customers who consume 1000kwh and above per month for conversion to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) / Smart meters.

According to City Power’s Retha Karsten these fairly new meters will aid with meter reading accuracy.

The meters will be read remotely eliminating meter readers.

“This is a very good system because it has the ability to eliminate human error,” said Herbert.

Herbert stated that there would be an improved meter reading accuracy and reduction of estimations.

Karsten also added that the customer will also be able to manage his/her consumption by “switching loads on and off” in real time.

“The meter makes available historical billing and consumption data,” she added.

According to Karsten, these smart meters will allow City Power to remotely restrict level of electricity consumption and therefore reduce the risk of load shedding.

Residents were advised that there would be no service or network charge when using a prepaid meter.

“Residents will have their meters changed to smart meters for free and they could also change from convectional meters to prepaid meters if they wish,” said Herbert.

About 150 000 customers will be converted to smart metering. The project will be rolled out over the next three years.

“Estimate usage and buy what you need to avoid going on a hire tariff,” Herbert advised residents.

To convert smart meter conventional meters to prepaid meters residents should:

• Ensure that their electricity account is paid up to date.
• Sign an acknowledgement of debt for accounts in arrears at the nearest City of Johannesburg offices.
• An application to convert to prepaid must be done at the City of Johannesburg call centres.

Details: City Power Call Centre 0860 562874.