Electricity and Energy Directorate urges residents to update electricity meters as deadline looms
Published: October 11, 2024<< BACK TO NEWS
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With the deadline to update prepaid electricity meters fast approaching, Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Electricity and Energy Portfolio Head, Cllr Zanele Sikawuti,
has commended NMBM electricity customers for updating more than 146,921
meters so far. She urges the remaining customers to join the programme as the
current devices will expire on 24 November 2024.
The programme, which began in April 2022, is being implemented in phases to
replace the old KNR1 meters with the new KNR2 system. MMC Sikawuti highlighted
that the directorate is employing various strategies to reach the thousands of
residents who have not yet updated their meters. These strategies include door-todoor visits, call centre assistance, and an enhanced communication drive.
"A notable difference is being made through these interventions. Between 9
September and 4 October 2024, a total of 1,263 meters were updated. However, we
still have 169,868 meters that need to be updated, including those that have been
tampered with, damaged, or are faulty.We continue to urge all residents and business owners with prepaid electricity
meters to update their meters before the current devices expire in November 2024,”
said MMC Sikawuti.
The NMBM remains committed to delivering an uninterrupted power supply to its
customers and has ensured that the 24 November 2024 deadline will cause minimal
disruption to electricity provision for all customers who purchase electricity.
"We urge our residents to cooperate with our teams. They must be at home when we
visit. Ward councillors have information on when our teams will visit the wards, and
residents must allow us access to their homes. The refusal of access has been a
challenge, and we understand there are various reasons for this, but our teams are
clearly identified as Municipal workers. It is critical for customers to update their
meters. After the deadline, they might be able to buy electricity, but tokens won’t be
accepted by the outdated meter,” concluded MMC Sikawuti.
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