Power utility Eskom’s smart prepaid meter rollout continues to face significant community resistance, protests and intimidation.
This opposition has left the utility more than 50% behind its installation targets, delaying its overarching goal of eliminating network overloading and load reduction.
In the North West, residents of Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, led a peaceful march to Eskom’s offices on Thursday to express their concerns and reject the installation of what they describe as “new, unreasonable smart prepaid meters”. They accused Eskom of failing to consult them adequately regarding the installation of the advanced meters.
Tlhabane community leader Basimane Ndlovu told YOU FM Newshour that Eskom has failed to adequately address the concerns of residents, particularly those whose smart prepaid meters have already been installed in their homes.
“The community is clear that they no longer want these smart meters because some residents are struggling, as they are unable to recharge their vouchers after they have run out.
“The way Eskom is going about this is like forcing these meters on us, and we will not allow that.
“We have explicitly stated in our memorandum, which we handed over to officials today, that public participation was flawed, and that’s a problem,” said Ndlovu.
The memorandum called for the suspension of the smart meter rollout until proper community consultation has taken place and clear explanations have been provided regarding faulty smart meters and the alleged high rate of electricity consumption.
“We have given them seven days to respond to our demands, and only then will we listen to them. Failing that, we will not allow them to continue with their rollout in Tlhabane.
“Our demands are clear, and we will not be forced to accept something we know nothing about,” explained Ndlovu.
Meanwhile, Eskom provincial spokesperson Ezekiel Baruti responded to the community leader’s concerns on the programme, defending the utility’s decision to proceed with the rollout project.
However, he raised concerns about what he described as an ongoing and deliberate effort to spread inaccurate information about the project in Tlhabane.
“Eskom held several meetings with the Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, local councillors and community members following concerns raised about the smart meter project in Tlhabane.
“The purpose of these meetings was to ensure transparency, understand the issues and address community concerns.
“The smart meter installation programme supports the eradication of load reduction, which Eskom in the North West has already completed across 77% of its feeders,” explained Baruti.
He sought to assure residents that the installation of the meters would benefit them.
“Furthermore, we have explained to the community that the installations aim to improve power supply in the area and prevent unnecessary power outages.
“Through the new smart meters, both Eskom and customers will be able to monitor consumption, detect network overloading and track electricity usage in real time, reducing estimated billing and disputes.
“All installation costs will be covered by Eskom,” clarified the spokesperson.
Baruti remains adamant that this national initiative will continue across all Eskom supply areas.
“Eskom will continue to engage with affected customers until we reach a mutually beneficial solution, as customers are the foundation of our business,” concluded Baruti.
