City Power Urges Action: Prepaid Meter Deadline Approaching – Don’t Lose Your Electricity!

City Power, Johannesburg’s electricity utility, has clarified the Token Identifier (TID) roll-over deadline for prepaid meters. They initially announced an extension of the deadline from November 24, 2024, to May 31, 2025. However, this extension applies only to the generation of Key Change Tokens.

Key Change Tokens and Deadline Details

Isaac Mangena, a spokesperson for City Power, explained that Key Change Tokens are essential unit codes for buying electricity. These tokens help with necessary meter upgrades. Although customers have until May 31, 2025, to generate these tokens, the original deadline of November 24, 2024, still applies for customers who have not upgraded their meters.

Mangena stressed the importance of meeting the November deadline. He said, “All prepaid customers must complete their TID roll-over by next month.” The South African Local Government Association (Salga) confirmed that the extension applies only to Key Change Token generation.

Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Customers who do not upgrade from KRN1 to KRN2 by the November 24 deadline will be unable to load new electricity units. This could leave many households without power. However, those upgrading their meters can still generate Key Change Tokens until May 31, 2025.

Mangena added, “If customers miss the May deadline, they will have to buy new meters.” This emphasizes the need for timely upgrades.

City Power’s Success in Meter Upgrades

City Power has made excellent progress in upgrading prepaid meters across Johannesburg. They report a 99% completion rate in their Service Delivery Centres (SDCs). Areas like Roodepoort, Reuven, Randburg, and Lenasia have achieved compliance rates over 99.5%. Other regions like Midrand and Hursthill stand at 99%, while Alexandra is at 89%.

Overall, City Power has successfully upgraded 140,578 out of 141,917 vending prepaid meters, leading to a 99% project completion rate.

Tackling Non-Vending Meters

Despite these successes, City Power faces challenges with about 140,000 non-vending meters. Meter tampering is a significant issue. Some customers bypass their meters to avoid paying for electricity. Many also refuse to let technicians conduct necessary audits.

Mangena stated that City Power is addressing this issue. “We want to ensure all customers are metered and accountable. Everyone should pay their fair share for electricity.”

As the November 24 deadline approaches, City Power urges all prepaid customers to upgrade their meters. While there is a grace period for Key Change Tokens until May 2025, missing the November deadline could lead to losing electricity access. City Power is committed to resolving tampering issues and ensuring a fair and efficient electricity supply in Johannesburg.