City Power Extends Grace Period for Prepaid Customer Penalty Fees Until 30 November

City Power, Johannesburg’s main electricity utility, has announced an extension for the grace period related to prepaid meter updates. The initial deadline was set for November 24, 2024, but due to a surge in demand from prepaid customers, City Power has moved the deadline to November 30, 2024. This extension aims to support those who have not yet updated their meters or settled penalty fees, allowing them more time to comply with the new regulations.

Reasons Behind the Extension

The decision to extend the deadline comes after City Power observed an increase in activity at its Service Delivery Centres (SDCs). A significant number of customers, especially in areas like Lenasia and Alexandra, rushed to the centres to update their non-vending meters ahead of the November 24 cut-off.

Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, emphasized that many customers who previously did not use the vending service came forward during this period. In response to the sudden influx, the utility extended the deadline to November 30, providing additional time for customers to comply with the meter updates and avoid penalty fees.

Key Changes to Prepaid Meters

The meter updates involve a critical change from the KRN1 to the KRN2 coding system. This change requires customers to input a 20-digit key change token to convert their meters. City Power had already pre-generated these tokens for those who have not updated their meters. The utility has assured that customers who may have lost their tokens can visit an SDC to receive a new set without any additional fees.

The transition to KRN2 coding is essential, as unconverted meters will no longer be able to load electricity units. This is a significant motivator for customers to take advantage of the grace period and ensure their meters are properly updated before the final deadline.

City Power’s Support Measures

To assist customers during this period, City Power has implemented several measures:

• Pre-Generated Key Change Tokens: City Power has issued pre-generated tokens to help convert outdated meters to the new system. These tokens will remain valid until May 31, 2025, giving customers ample time to ensure their meters are updated.
• Increased On-Ground Support: Additional teams have been deployed to gather information from customers at SDCs and arrange home visits to update and replace outdated meters. This step is particularly crucial for those who cannot visit the centres due to work or other commitments.
• No Fees for Replacements: The utility has waived fees for meter replacements, especially for those that have been tampered with or require updates. This is part of City Power’s commitment to making the transition as seamless as possible for its customers.

Advice for Prepaid Customers

City Power encourages prepaid customers not to panic if they have not yet updated their meters. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena assured that teams would remain on the ground to assist beyond the initial November 24 deadline. This decision is intended to alleviate the stress experienced by customers rushing to update their meters.

For those who are unable to visit an SDC, City Power has provided a hotline (011 490 7484) and a toll-free number (+27 80 020 2925) for customers to schedule home visits with technicians. The utility has also noted that there is no immediate need for customers to flood the centres, as all necessary support will be provided even after the extended deadline.

Impact on Non-Vending Customers

The extension specifically targets non-vending customers—those who previously did not buy electricity through official channels. This group represents a unique challenge, as they need to convert their meters to align with City Power’s updated metering standards. The utility’s decision to pre-generate tokens is a proactive step in ensuring compliance without imposing harsh penalties on customers who are still transitioning.

What Happens After the Grace Period Ends?

After November 30, unconverted meters will no longer support electricity unit loading. This makes it critical for all prepaid customers to ensure their meters are updated. Despite the final conversion deadline, City Power has extended the validity of key change tokens until May 31, 2025. However, for customers who do not act within the current grace period, additional steps may be necessary, potentially leading to service disruptions if penalties are not addressed.

Why the Meter Updates are Necessary

The push to update prepaid meters is part of a broader initiative to improve the accuracy and reliability of Johannesburg’s electricity distribution. The conversion from KRN1 to KRN2 allows for better monitoring, reduces the risk of electricity theft, and ensures that all customers are billed accurately for their consumption.

City Power’s Long-Term Goals

City Power’s proactive measures reflect its long-term vision for a more efficient and transparent energy system in Johannesburg. By ensuring all prepaid meters are updated, the utility is laying the groundwork for enhanced service delivery and reduced electricity losses. This move is also seen as a way to combat illegal connections and tampering, which have been significant challenges in recent years.

City Power’s decision to extend the grace period for prepaid customers is a crucial step in supporting Johannesburg’s residents during the transition to a more reliable metering system. The utility’s efforts to accommodate non-vending customers, waive fees for tampered meters, and provide extensive on-ground support demonstrate a commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair transition for all. Prepaid customers are encouraged to take advantage of the extended deadline and avoid potential disruptions by ensuring their meters are updated by November 30, 2024.