More smart meter madness
FERNDALE – Smart meter installation blows electricity supply.
Another unfortunate incident occurred during the installation of a smart electricity meter.
A smart meter was being installed on Pine Avenue, Ferndale, for residents Leon Erwee, and Annetjie and Jannie Breedt, when their electricity blew, permanently disabling some of their electrical appliances and equipment.
The incident was allegedly caused by incorrect wire placement.
It all started when two City Power subcontractors started replacing the meter outside the residents’ property wall with a smart meter at 9am.
“A while later I heard a loud bang and smelt burning,” Erwee said.
“We looked at the [newly installed] meter. I did not think it looked right, but [the subcontractors] said it was fine.”
Annetjie joined the conversation, asking the subcontractors why the electricity was off.
According to the two residents, the subcontractors did not believe them that the electricity was off, referring only to the meter they claimed was installed correctly.
Before driving away, the subcontractors told the residents to complain to City Power’s call-centre, which the residents did.
Speaking to Randburg Sun on the same day, the residents pointed out two loose wires in the meter box.
They alleged that the incoming neutral and earth wires should have been connected to the meter and earth bar respectively.
Still having no electricity, the residents lodged a second complaint to City Power the next day.
After waiting yet another day, the residents bought the equipment they needed to solve the issue themselves, and did so on 15 May, finding that their gate motor, garage motor, TV and washing machine were now broken.
When City Power officials arrived later on 15 May, they were not needed.
City Power spokesperson Sol Masolo did not respond by the time of going to print.
“I am not aware of other incidents like this,” said Ward 102 councillor David Potter.
“I am, however, acutely aware of old meters blowing out and City Power [sub]contractors coming to bypass the meter to give residents supply and then failing to return to replace the meter.”
