Mpumalanga – Eskom has recently launched a province-wide project to replace all Split Prepayment Unit (SPU) meters with smart meters, aiming to modernise Mpumalanga’s electricity network and boost efficiency.
The rollout, which began on 11 August in towns such as Delmas, involves authorised Eskom contractors visiting homes to install the new technology. Residents are urged to allow entry only to verified Eskom representatives.
“In the interest of safety, residents should ensure that contractors positively identify themselves as Eskom representatives. When in doubt, please contact Eskom directly,” the utility said in a statement.
Local councillors have been briefed and Eskom is sending SMS notifications to affected households before work begins in their neighbourhoods. When contacting the utility, residents are advised to have key details ready: account number, contact details, premises identification or stand number, meter number or pole number.
The smart meters rollout is part of a broader plan to improve service delivery, enhance customer convenience, and curb electricity theft in the region. The initiative has been met with optimism in Delmas, with many believing it could help reduce billing errors and make it easier to track electricity usage.
“This is long overdue. With the smart meters, we’ll be able to see exactly how much electricity we’re using and budget better,” said Dora Ndlovu, a homeowner in extension 4.
“If Eskom is serious about making things easier for us, then this is a step in the right direction. We’ve had issues with old meters for years,” said Gugu Duma from extension 7.
In response to safety concerns, Eskom urges the public to report suspicious activity or service issues through its self-service platforms:
Report power outages: Use Alfred, Eskom’s Chatbot at https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom
Quick communication: Call 08600 Eskom (08600 37566) or use one of Eskom’s digital communication channels
Account services and meter readings: Download the MyEskom Customer App (available for Android and iOS) or visit www.csonline.co.za
