Residents' distrust slowing down process of upgrading prepaid electricity meters - SALGA

JOHANNESBURG- The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) said distrust from residents was slowing down municipalities from upgrading their prepaid meters.

On 24 November, the token identifiers of all standard transfer specification meters in the country will expire unless they are upgraded.

ALSO READ: Energy Dept calls on prepaid electricity users to ensure meters updated

Eskom is responsible for upgrading about 7 million meters, while 4.5 million meters fall under the purview of municipalities.

Sustainable energy specialist at SALGA, Silas Mulaudzi, said there are over a million meters yet to be upgraded with about three months until the deadline.

"Some of the community members in different parts of the country do refuse access to the municipal staff or service provider to have access to the meter, and this is the biggest challenge."