Eskom is urging the remaining 1.7 million prepaid electricity customers with illegal connections to come forward and update their meters to Key Revision Number (KRN) 2 by Friday, 13 December 2024. This comes as part of the power utility’s effort to address the widespread issue of “zero buyers” — consumers who use electricity without paying.
From Zero Buyers to Paying Customers
Through its KRN rollover project, Eskom has successfully converted 400,000 zero buyers into paying customers. The initiative aims to recode 11 million prepaid meters to ensure the continued functionality of the Token Identifier (TID) system, which reset on 24 November 2024 due to a time-based security mechanism.
According to Monde Bala, Eskom’s group executive for distribution, the past ten days have seen a significant uptick in zero buyers coming forward to regularise their connections. “We will continue to treat these users with dignity and respect as we resolve these issues for all who did the right thing,” Bala stated.
Deadlines and Compliance
Eskom has outlined that:
- Customers with tampered or lost meters must visit an Eskom service centre by 13 December to report the issue.
- Eskom will assess each case, apply fines if necessary, and schedule meter replacements.
- Users who missed the 24 November token purchase deadline are still urged to buy electricity before the 13 December cut-off to avoid severe penalties.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to R12,000 for meter replacements.
A Challenging but Necessary Process
Updating to KRN 2 is vital, as it effectively resets the TID system, extending its functionality to November 2045. Eskom CEO Dan Marokane emphasised that ensuring all users pay for electricity is crucial for Eskom’s sustainability and the nation’s economic growth. Despite the project’s success, many South Africans expressed frustration, citing long queues and unclear communication from Eskom.
One Soweto resident, a 67-year-old woman, described waiting in line overnight, stating, “This is the most inhumane way a government could treat its citizens.” Despite receiving SMS reminders, she admitted to ignoring them initially due to confusion.
Assistance for Paying Customers
Eskom assured paying customers that those who updated their meters but faced technical issues will not be penalised. Customers can use Eskom’s chatbot, Alfred, the contact centre’s interactive voice response system, or WhatsApp for support.
Bala acknowledged the complexities of the project, noting that Eskom continues to stabilise the system to ensure a smoother customer experience.
A Decade of Delay
Despite having a decade to prepare for the KRN rollover, Eskom only began updating meters about 15 months before the deadline. This led to a last-minute rush, exacerbated by a lack of resources and the mixing of legitimate customers with electricity thieves in service queues.
Conclusion
Eskom’s amnesty programme represents a critical effort to regularise illegal electricity use and ensure a sustainable power supply. However, the challenges faced by both Eskom and its customers highlight the need for better planning, clearer communication, and improved customer service in the future.
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