Eskom announced that smart meter installations will begin in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, October 6, 2025, and will be rolled out throughout the entire province.

The power utility said it is taking decisive steps to transform South Africa’s energy future through the installation of smart meters across the province.

This comes after Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, recently unveiled a bold and comprehensive plan to end load reduction. This initiative aims to achieve its goals within the next 12 to 18 months, with the potential for even earlier milestones through robust community cooperation.

Eskom said the smart meter rollout forms part of its drive to modernise the national grid and transform the customer experience.

“Already introduced in selected areas, the programme is now accelerating, with around 800,000 customers set to benefit. The aim is to install 7.2 million smart meters across the country over the next three years.”

According to Eskom, this transformation goes beyond technology; it is about building a smarter, more connected South Africa.

For customers, this means real-time control of electricity usage, accurate billing, and a seamless service experience, while for Eskom, this translates to faster response times, reliable data, and stronger connections with the people they serve.

“As of Monday, October 6, customers are urged to ensure that Eskom teams can easily and safely access meter boxes in their dwellings to facilitate a smooth installation process.”

Eskom stated that it is committed to powering communities, eliminating load reduction, and creating a brighter, sustainable energy future for South Africa.

In reaction to the announcement, Asad Gaffar, who is the chairperson of the Westville Ratepayers Association (WRA) and the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM), said the smart meters will give Eskom and municipalities total control over consumer usage by remotely reducing consumption.

He further elaborated that this is why many large companies have sought alternative power sources, which consequently reduces the revenue Eskom receives.

“Instead of rolling out these devices, Eskom should be looking at ways to increase its output as the demand for electricity increases. Most countries have long-term plans to ensure that their electricity requirements are met. Only in South Africa do we struggle due to having the wrong people in management,” said Gaffar.

Last month, the minister said municipalities collectively owe Eskom just above R100 billion, while customers owe municipalities over R400 billion. He said this financial imbalance was at the heart of the electricity supply challenges facing the country, with the biggest casualties being those who pay and are subjected to load reduction.

Ramokgopa said part of the solution is the rolling out of smart meters, which would allow for the remote disconnection of non-paying users without punishing compliant consumers.

When the plan was announced, Ramokgopa said the strategy to end load reduction includes three key interventions: a national rollout of smart meters, refurbishment and upgrade of local infrastructure, and the deployment of decentralised electricity generation through solar-powered microgrids.

“One of the biggest criticisms I get is from people who say, ‘Minister, I pay for my electricity, I am not illegally connected, and yet I am punished the same as everyone else.’ With smart meters, we can isolate those who choose not to pay and not make others collateral damage,” he said during the unveiling of the plan.

The minister said the meters will also assist in improving access to free basic electricity (FBE). Currently, only 485,000 out of 2.1 million eligible Eskom customers are receiving FBE.

With smart meters, Ramokgopa said the government would be able to “front-load” the 50 kWh monthly allocation to qualifying households.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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