Eskom Smart Meter –In a significant move towards modernizing South Africa’s electricity infrastructure, Eskom has announced a strict deadline for its ongoing smart meter rollout program. By July 28, 2025, over 400,000 households across multiple regions must complete their transition from traditional to smart meters. This shift aims to enhance power monitoring, improve billing accuracy, and reduce manual errors—but it has also stirred confusion and concern among many residents. With load shedding still an unpredictable challenge and theft of electricity on the rise, the utility giant is banking on digital upgrades to stabilize the system. The July 28 deadline comes as part of a larger Eskom digital transformation strategy that began in 2022, but this latest phase specifically targets regions where older meters and illegal connections have been flagged. The urgency is real—homes that do not switch to the smart meters before the deadline may face disconnection or billing penalties. Eskom has already started a region-wise campaign to notify affected households, and mobile teams are actively visiting communities to fast-track installations. The smart meters will allow two-way communication with Eskom’s backend systems, enabling real-time tracking of electricity usage, quicker fault detection, and remote reconnections. Many residents, however, are still unclear on how the process works, what the risks of missing the deadline are, and what benefits they can expect post-installation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the smart meter rollout, eligibility, steps for installation, benefits, and what happens if you don’t act on time.
Who Is Affected in This Eskom Smart Meter Rollout?
Eskom has identified several priority regions for the July 28 rollout. Households in these areas have either outdated systems or irregular electricity usage patterns.
- Over 400,000 homes targeted across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape
- Majority of these homes currently use legacy or faulty prepaid meters
- Focus is on areas with frequent power theft or billing complaints
- Mobile deployment units are assigned to each region
- Residents must register and allow access for installation
- No cost involved for compliant households
- Non-participation may result in power disconnection after the deadline
Key Eskom Smart Meter Rollout Zones and Numbers
Below is a table showing the number of households affected in each region:
| Region | Homes Targeted | Installation Deadline | Mobile Team Count | Current Progress (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 125,000 | July 28, 2025 | 43 | 65% |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 95,000 | July 28, 2025 | 32 | 52% |
| Limpopo | 70,000 | July 28, 2025 | 24 | 48% |
| Eastern Cape | 60,000 | July 28, 2025 | 21 | 55% |
| Free State | 20,000 | July 28, 2025 | 11 | 67% |
| Northern Cape | 12,000 | July 28, 2025 | 9 | 70% |
| Mpumalanga | 18,000 | July 28, 2025 | 10 | 59% |
| North West | 15,000 | July 28, 2025 | 8 | 61% |
What Are the Main Benefits of Eskom Smart Meter?
Smart meters offer a range of benefits not only for Eskom but also for consumers. These include both technical and financial advantages.
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- No more estimated billing—charges based on real-time usage
- Remote reconnections and fault detection without technician visits
- Immediate alerts for over-usage or tampering
- Access to usage data through the Eskom app
- Helps prevent illegal electricity connections
- Supports faster response to load shedding changes
- Enables energy-saving decisions through consumption tracking
Smart Meters vs Old Meters: What Changes?
Smart meters introduce automated communication and data reporting, replacing manual readings.
| Feature | Old Meter System | Smart Meter System |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | Manual/estimated | Real-time accurate |
| Load Shedding Updates | None | Real-time alerts |
| Usage Monitoring | Not possible | Available via app |
| Disconnection/Reconnect | Physical technician visit | Remote via system |
| Power Theft Detection | Difficult | Automated flagging |
| Cost Transparency | Delayed | Instant |
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
Eskom has issued a strict warning that non-compliant households may lose access to power services post-deadline.
- Households without smart meters by July 28 may face disconnection
- Manual meter faults will no longer be repaired after August 2025
- You may be charged additional “non-compliance” penalties
- Access to Eskom’s mobile app and alerts will be blocked
- No support for load shedding exemptions or prepaid top-ups
- Future reconnection may require formal application and delay
How to Avoid Penalty or Disconnection?
Follow these steps to stay compliant and avoid disruptions:
- Check your eligibility on Eskom’s smart meter portal
- If contacted, respond immediately to the Eskom technician team
- Keep your premises accessible for installation
- Ensure your ID, property bill, and meter number are ready
- Download the Eskom app for tracking and updates
- Call 08600 ESKOM if unsure about your area or status
How to Track Your Installation Status?
Eskom has rolled out a dedicated section on its website and app to let you check the installation progress in your area.
Self-Service Portal Usage
Residents can follow these steps to track their upgrade:
- Visit www.eskom.co.za and go to the “Smart Meter Rollout” tab
- Enter your ID and meter number to see if your home is listed
- Download the mobile app and turn on push notifications
- Receive SMS updates if registered with Eskom
- Call Eskom directly if your status is still unclear
Will There Be Future Phases After July 28?
Yes, this is only Phase 3 of a broader rollout plan.
Upcoming Rollout Plans
The next stages will cover more rural zones and commercial properties.
- Phase 4: August to December 2025 – Rural households
- Phase 5: January to June 2026 – Businesses and complexes
- Phase 6: Remainder of South Africa – Late 2026
- Eskom aims for 100% smart meter coverage by early 2027
- Households with existing smart meters will get software upgrades instead
Eskom’s Full Rollout Timeline (Past and Future)
| Phase | Period | Target Area | Meter Type | Coverage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan–Jun 2023 | Pilot metros | 2G smart meters | 120,000 homes |
| 2 | Jul–Dec 2024 | Metro expansion | 3G smart meters | 300,000 homes |
| 3 | Jan–Jul 2025 | High-risk zones | 4G smart meters | 400,000+ homes |
| 4 | Aug–Dec 2025 | Rural households | Basic smart meters | 250,000 homes |
| 5 | Jan–Jun 2026 | Commercial properties | Industrial meters | 100,000 buildings |
| 6 | Jul–Dec 2026 | National expansion | Mixed | Remaining households |
| Final | Jan–Mar 2027 | Software upgrades | All smart meters | Nationwide coverage |
Eskom’s deadline for smart meter installation on July 28 is a firm one, and all affected households should act immediately to avoid penalties or service disruptions. The move is part of a broader goal to bring transparency, efficiency, and stability to South Africa’s struggling energy sector. With the right steps and a proactive approach, this transition can be smooth and even beneficial for consumers in the long run.
FAQs of Eskom Smart Meter
Q1. Is the installation of smart meters free?
Yes. For eligible homes, installation is fully free if done before July 28.
Q2. What documents do I need to provide?
You will need your ID, proof of residence, and the meter number.
Q3. What if I miss the installation date?
You risk disconnection or being moved to a manual billing category with penalties.
Q4. Can I choose to opt out of a smart meter?
No. This rollout is mandatory under Eskom’s smart infrastructure policy.
Q5. How do I know the installer is legit?
Eskom staff carry official ID cards and wear uniforms with Eskom branding. You can call 08600 ESKOM to confirm.
Q6. Will I get a notification before the team arrives?
Yes. Eskom sends SMS and app alerts a day or two before the visit.
Q7. Are smart meters safe?
Yes. They are certified under national safety standards and emit no harmful radiation.
