Eskom Smart Meter Rollout Kicks Off In KwaZulu-Natal From Monday

Eskom has announced that its long-awaited smart meter installations will begin in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, October 6, 2025. The rollout, part of a broader national initiative, will eventually extend across the entire province.

The utility company said the programme is a decisive step towards transforming South Africa’s energy future by modernising the national grid and enhancing customer service.

“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,” Eskom stated.

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For consumers, smart meters promise real-time electricity monitoring, accurate billing, and a seamless service experience. For Eskom, they offer faster response times, reliable data, and stronger connections with communities.

“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,” the utility added.

Minister Ramokgopa Highlights Smart Meters as Key to Ending Load Reduction

The rollout follows the announcement of a comprehensive plan by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, aimed at ending load reduction within the next 12 to 18 months.

The plan relies on community cooperation and includes three key interventions: a national rollout of smart meters, refurbishment and upgrade of local infrastructure, and 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,” Ramokgopa said.

The meters will also improve access to free basic electricity (FBE), enabling the government to “front-load” the 50 kWh monthly allocation to qualifying households. Currently, only 485,000 out of 2.1 million eligible Eskom customers are receiving FBE.

Ratepayer Concerns and Financial Challenges Facing Eskom

While the rollout has been welcomed as a technological upgrade, some stakeholders have voiced concerns.

Asad Gaffar, chairperson of the Westville Ratepayers Association and the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement, warned that smart meters give Eskom and municipalities control to remotely reduce consumption.

“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,” Gaffar said.

Ramokgopa previously highlighted the financial pressures contributing to electricity challenges, noting that municipalities collectively owe Eskom over R100 billion, while customers owe municipalities more than R400 billion.

The minister said smart meters would help disconnect non-paying users without affecting compliant consumers.

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