With 100 days left until the current software for prepaid electricity meters expire, the Western Cape Government is urging municipalities to act promptly in ensuring that residents are aware of the process.

This software is responsible for generating unique recharge codes used to keep the lights on. It is part of a nationwide update process, with the national deadline set for December this year. The deadline in the Western Cape has been set for 24 November.

Failure to update the software in time will leave residents unable to recharge their meters, cutting off their power supply.

At the same time, provincial Finance MEC, Deidré Baartman, says most of the meters in the province have been updated.

“The Western Cape has now reset approximately 95.9% of all meters within municipal supply areas, with the national average currently sitting at 75.8%. I am also pleased to report that the municipalities of Bergrivier, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg and Drakenstein have all reported a 100% completed reset.”

Baartman says the Provincial Treasury has been actively coordinating with municipalities to ensure the entire province meets the reset target, adding that she intends to visit underperforming municipalities in the province to ensure compliance.

The update process, which involves entering a manual reset code into the meter, is straightforward but essential. Baartman emphasised the importance of the deadline, stating that if the not done in time residents will be left in the dark.

“We do not want our residents to wake up on 25 November and sit in the dark. I urge municipalities to ensure that residents and businesses in their communities are adequately informed on the prepaid meter update process.”

She also provided a list of municipal officials whom residents can contact with questions or concerns about the update process:

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