Eskom Extends Meter Upgrade Deadline for Zero Buyers

Over a million Eskom prepaid customers, mostly "zero buyers," still need to upgrade their electricity meters. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed the deadline extension for these upgrades. Customers must purchase electricity tokens from legal vendors by Sunday to complete the process starting Monday.

Security has been tightened around Eskom offices in Soweto after reports of syndicates selling fake tokens and impersonators charging fees to register meters. Law enforcement, including Johannesburg Metro Police and Gauteng Crime Wardens, are patrolling these areas. Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi assured that protective services would handle such cases if reported.

Also read: Prepaid Electricity Meter Upgrade Sunday Deadline Sparks Chaos in South Africa

In Mangaung, Centlec clarified that Eskom’s contact number does not apply to its meter system. Centlec customers should use the code #005# to verify upgrades. Spokesperson Lele Mamatu noted, “The Eskom number gives an error code, but Centlec has its own system.”

Eskom emphasized that zero buyers can still upgrade without penalties by purchasing tokens from official vendors before the deadline at 8:15 PM Sunday. Most customers had already recoded their meters by mid-2024, but Eskom urges those remaining to act promptly