Eskom reduces backlog of prepaid electricity meter upgrades by at least 400K

Eskom reduces backlog of prepaid electricity meter upgrades by at least 400K! Eskom has made significant progress in reducing the backlog of prepaid electricity meter upgrades, addressing over 400,000 cases within a single day.

However, with just days remaining before a critical deadline, tensions are rising among residents yet to complete the process.

Progress on Upgrades

By Wednesday, approximately two million prepaid electricity customers still needed their meters upgraded. By Thursday afternoon, this number had dropped to just under 1.7 million, showcasing Eskom’s efforts to accelerate the process.

The urgency stems from a global technical switchover that will render all prepaid electricity meters non-operational after Sunday unless they are upgraded. This massive undertaking has left Eskom racing against time to ensure millions of households are not left without power.

Soweto Residents Face Long Queues

Soweto has emerged as a hotspot for unresolved upgrades, with residents queuing outside Eskom service centers in a last-minute rush to update their meters.

In Diepkloof, tensions flared on Thursday as frustrated residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the process. Many reported spending days in long lines without success.

Thabo Thabane, a Soweto resident, expressed his frustration:
“Three days, no help. We keep on getting there, they tell you, ‘We are cutting off, come tomorrow.’ Tomorrow you come back and you start at the back there again.”

Thabane also claimed he only learned about the upgrade deadline last week, despite Eskom’s year-long campaign to inform customers.

Minister Ramokgopa Intervenes

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa visited the area on Thursday to address residents’ concerns and offer assurances.

Ramokgopa promised that Eskom employees would work extended hours and throughout the weekend to expedite the process. He emphasized that additional personnel would be deployed to assist with the high volume of cases, particularly in Soweto.

“Extended hours, increased capacity, getting more people to help with people in the queues, so I’m confident about the ability to address the situation,” said Ramokgopa.

Soweto: A Key Challenge

Soweto remains a focal point for the upgrades due to the large number of residents who are still unregistered or illegally connected to the grid. This has added complexity to the process, as Eskom must address both legitimate and unauthorized connections.

Minister Ramokgopa acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal connections but assured residents that efforts would be made to accommodate everyone requiring upgrades.

Residents Demand Better Communication

Despite Eskom’s claims of running a year-long campaign to inform customers about the upgrades, many residents argue that the messaging was insufficient.

A lack of effective communication, coupled with limited access to service centers, has fueled frustrations. Many residents expressed concerns about whether the upgrades would be completed in time, given the slow progress in some areas.

Looking Ahead: Avoiding a Crisis

As the Sunday deadline looms, Eskom faces mounting pressure to resolve the remaining backlog swiftly. The consequences of failing to upgrade the meters could leave millions of households without electricity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in affected areas.

The utility has ramped up its efforts, including deploying additional staff and extending operating hours. However, the scale of the task remains immense, with nearly 1.7 million upgrades still pending.

Eskom’s Commitment

Eskom spokespersons and officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no customer is left behind. They urge residents to visit service centers as soon as possible to complete the process, emphasizing that their teams are working tirelessly to meet the deadline.

Minister Ramokgopa’s intervention and Eskom’s intensified efforts provide a glimmer of hope for those still awaiting upgrades. However, the next few days will be critical in determining whether the utility can avert a widespread power crisis.

As the deadline approaches, residents, government officials, and Eskom employees alike remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to the remaining backlog.