ESKOM smart meter upgrades face resistance from customers

The rollout of Eskom smart meter upgrades continues unabated for the state-run company, as it homes in on its goal of completely eliminating blackouts by 2027. The power utility has managed a record-breaking 308 days without load shedding. However, there are two key pillars to its phased approach if it wants to continue to keep the lights on …  

ESKOM SMART METER UPGRADES IN 2026

The first is the state-run power utility clawing money back from defaulting municipalities. At last count, there were 14 municipalities with unpaid debts spanning more than 18 months, worth north of R110 billion. In a statement last month, it said it had no choice but to begin a type of ‘localised load reduction’ in the affected areas to force payment.

Next, is the ongoing rollout of contentious Eskom smart meter upgrades. The goal behind these – which Eskom says are already delivering ‘measurable outcomes’ – is to better facilitate load reduction. Basically, they give Eskom the ability to remotely turn the power on/off over high-load times. Or, more importantly, due to non-payment of bills.

END ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE

However, of more import to Eskom smart meter upgrades is the fight against illegal connections and infrastructure damage. These new high-tech meters enable thieving/non-paying users to be cutoff without penalising compliant customers in the area.

In KwaZulu-Natal alone, Eskom says 50% of its 1.2-million provincial customers are illegally connected. This amounts to an annual of loss of R6 billion in just one province. “Therefore, with new Eskom smart meter upgrades we can isolate those who choose not to pay and not make others collateral damage,” explained Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

ESKOM SMART METER UPGRADES IN SOUTH AFRICA

As such, the power utility says it has installed 470 134 Eskom smart meter upgrades nationwide. 183 956 of these provide load-reduction feeders, benefiting approximately 1.7-million customers. Nevertheless, the company’s bigger issue is clawing back money from its worst defaulters. These are historically the worst defaulting municipalities in South Africa:

MPUMALANGA

• eMalahleni (Witbank) — South Africa’s single worst offender, owing R9.9 billion (November 2025)
• Lekwa (Standerton) — A chronic defaulter since 2018
• Govan Mbeki — Repeatedly flagged for unpaid bills
• Msukaligwa (Ermelo)
• Steve Tshwete

FREE STATE

• Maluti-a-Phofung — Allegedly owing R7 billion, second-highest defaulter nationally
• Matjhabeng (Welkom) — Owing around R5 billion
• Ngwathe (Parys) — Consistent offender
• Moqhaka (Kroonstad)
• Dihlabeng (Bethlehem)

NORTH WEST

• Ditsobotla (Lichtenburg) — On the defaulter lists since 2015
• City of Matlosana (Klerksdorp) — Failed to settle R1.5 billion debt after court proceedings
• Naledi

But what do you think? Have you had a new Eskom smart meter upgrade installed in your home? Have you noticed any difference in how it works and how accurate your billing is? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below …