New electricity smart meters are legal – AfriForum
Residents may choose to have the new smart meters installed or to keep the old conventional meters.
Residents were taken by surprise when contractors of I4 Power Technology (Pty) Ltd started contacting them to make appointments for the installation of the new smart meters at their homes, AfriForum’s Westonaria branch said.
The community claims to have had no knowledge of these developments and that the municipality had once again proceeded with taking a decision that involved everyone without following a process of public participation,” said Mike van Deventer, Branch Chairman of AfriForum’s Westonaria branch.
AfriForum then called for a meeting with Thabo Ndlovu, municipal manager of the Westonaria Local Municipality, to address the meter issue and obtain the necessary information.
The following information was conveyed to AfriForum at the meeting:
• I4 Power Technology (Pty) Ltd has been appointed to install the smart meters;
• The Westonaria Local Municipality purchases the meters at R5 972 each;
• The municipal infrastructure grant from the national government will be used to purchase the meters.
“Residents may choose to have the new smart meters installed or to keep the old conventional meters. The rumour going around that residents will be fined R2 000 if they do not install the new meter, is completely untrue.
If the contractors intimidate any resident, they can phone their local AfriForum branch management,” Van Deventer added.
AfriForum also requested the municipal manager to communicate better with the community, as the community has the right to be part of the municipality’s decision-making processes.
Van Deventer added, “This is yet another example of how AfriForum protects the rights of its members.”
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