Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

SMART ELECTRICITY METER FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Electrical Smart Meter? It is a modern digital device that accurately measures your electricity consumption. Unlike older manual meters, it records usage at regular intervals and communicates this data remotely to the Municipality, enabling more accurate billing and better service reliability.

2. Why is George Municipality installing these meters? This is a foundational step in our strategic objective to become a Smarter City, as highlighted in our Integrated Development Plan (IDP). By modernizing our infrastructure, we improve data integrity, which allows us to manage tariff costs effectively and prepare the grid for future energy technologies like Wheeling and Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.

3. Will I have to pay for the installation? No. This project is a municipal infrastructure upgrade being rolled out at no cost to residents. This, however, is ONLY for the replacement of existing older technology- not for new meters. Authorized installers will never ask for payment; please report any such requests to the Municipality immediately.

4. What exactly will the technicians do onsite? The process is designed to be efficient, typically taking about one hour. Upon arrival, a qualified technician will:

  • Establish contact with the owner and show their official identification and authorization letter.
  • Record the final reading and take “before” photos of your old meter.
  • Replace the meter, which involves a very brief power interruption.
  • Test the new meter and take “after” photos to document the high-standard installation.
  • Assist you with registering on the George Home App so you can see your data immediately.

5. How do I know the installers are authorized? All authorized teams carry official identification badges and a letter signed by the Director of Electrotechnical Services. Always request to see these before allowing access; if in doubt, call 044 801 9222 to verify.

6. What happens to my existing prepaid units? All valid remaining units will be transferred to your new smart meter. Important: Please ensure you punch in all tokens you have already purchased before the technician replaces the meter, as the new meter cannot accept tokens bought for the old device.

7. Can I refuse the installation? This is a critical city-wide infrastructure upgrade. The Municipality will communicate all applicable policies and legal requirements to ensure the entire network can benefit from improved accuracy and reliability.

8. Who do I contact for technical faults or questions? For technical queries or to report a fault, contact the Electrical Services Department at 044 801 9222.