Residents from Diepkloof negated the new Eskom prepaid meter system about to be implemented in the whole of Soweto.
The spokesperson for Eskom , Nkosana Sibuyi, explained that the main objective of this infrastructure upgrade programme is to improve the service rendered to their customers through ensuring the reliability of supply and empowering them to control and manage their own consumption.
Part of the infrastructure upgrade involves the installation of new technologies, for example, prepaid split metering in protective steel enclosures.
Jane Moeketsane (73) who is a pensioner said, “We refuse the prepaid system because most of our children are unemployed, plus we haven’t been receiving electricity statements here in Diepkloof Zone One.”
Residents can log complaints on (customerservices@eskom.co.za)
Sibuyi, said, “There are benefits for the poor which is managed by the municipality. Free Basic Electricity (FBE) in managed by the City of Joburg.”.
Mpho Musi is a young and unemployed youth from Diepkloof Zone One reckoned that it was unfair for Eskom to implement this new prepaid system while many young people are still unemployed.
Musi said, “We are poor because of unemployment in our democratic country and the cost of living is just too high as it is.”
Musi said, “The government should consider giving the youth employment before giving families such a financial burden to carry.”
The CoJ sends a list of customers who qualify for FBE to Eskom so that they are registered in the Eskom database and begin to receive their FBE.
In essence, customers will be in the indigent register of the municipality which will, later on, be submitted to Eskom to enable customers to enjoy benefits from FBE.
Residents are urged to learn to use electricity wisely and considerate.
- Never leave lamps and lights on during the day.
- Consider using blankets instead of electricity using heaters.
- Use energy saving lamps for outside lighting.
