The Prepaid Meter Deadline now shifts to 30 June 2026. City Power extends prepaid meter conversion timelines for non-paying customers across Johannesburg. The extension gives households six more months to comply with postpaid billing requirements.
City Power aims to recover lost revenue, improve billing accuracy, and reduce electricity losses. The move affects households with non-vending prepaid meters, tampered meters, and illegal connections.
What the Prepaid Meter Deadline Extension Means
City Power initially planned to complete the conversion by December 2025. The utility has now moved the Prepaid Meter Deadline to 30 June 2026. The extension targets customers who do not buy electricity tokens. Many of these cases involve meter bypassing or tampering.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed the extension.
“The conversion process, which was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of December 2025, has now been extended to 30 June 2026,” said Mangena. The utility wants customers to regularise their electricity supply during this period.
Why City Power Extends Prepaid Meter Conversion
Revenue losses remain severe
Electricity theft costs South African municipalities billions each year. Eskom estimates annual losses exceed R20 billion nationally. Municipal distributors face similar pressure. City Power reports ongoing revenue losses linked to illegal connections and non-vending meters. These losses affect infrastructure maintenance and service delivery.
Mangena explained the purpose clearly.
“The intervention remains part of our efforts to curb revenue losses, address illegal connections, and improve billing accuracy,” he said.
Billing system reforms continue
City Power recently took over the billing function from the City of Johannesburg. Since then, the utility has worked to stabilise billing systems.
“Billing inefficiencies created historical revenue gaps and customer frustration,” Mangena said. The prepaid-to-postpaid conversion forms part of this broader reform.
Who Is Affected by the Extended Prepaid Meter Deadline
The City Power Extends Prepaid Meter programme affects several customer groups.
Affected households include:
- Non-vending prepaid meter users
- Properties with tampered or bridged meters
- Customers with illegal electricity connections
- Solar PV households using prepaid meters
Solar customers will also move to postpaid billing. City Power wants accurate tracking of electricity imports and exports. “This measure ensures accurate accounting and proper network management,” Mangena said.
What Happens After Conversion to Postpaid Billing
Once conversion takes place, customers will receive monthly municipal bills.
Key billing changes include:
- Monthly electricity charges on City of Johannesburg statements
- Service and network capacity charges
- Possible back-billing for reconciled consumption
- Billing aligned with municipal bylaws
City Power warns that reconciled usage may result in backdated charges where applicable. Residents should engage early to avoid disputes.
Meter Audits Intensify Across Johannesburg
City Power continues stand-by-stand audits across the city. Technicians inspect meters to identify non-compliance.
Audits focus on:
- Non-vending prepaid meters
- Bypassed or bridged meters
- Illegal connections
Mangena urged cooperation during inspections.
“City Power urges all affected customers to use the extended period to regularise their accounts,” he said. Failure to cooperate may result in enforcement action.
What Residents Should Do Before 30 June 2026
Residents still have time to act before the Prepaid Meter Deadline.
Recommended steps:
- Contact City Power to verify meter status
- Resolve outstanding vending or billing issues
- Allow access during meter audits
- Prepare for postpaid billing changes
- Seek assistance if disputes exist
Early engagement reduces future penalties and billing shocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new prepaid meter deadline?
The deadline is now 30 June 2026.
Does this affect solar households?
Yes. Solar PV users with prepaid meters must convert.
Will customers face back-billing?
City Power may back-bill reconciled consumption under bylaws.
What happens if I ignore the conversion?
You risk enforcement action and billing penalties.
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