Eskom is facing its “firmest resistance” to the national roll‑out of prepaid smart meters in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal, the utility’s board chairperson Mteto Nyati told TimesLIVE. That resistance, Nyati said, is impeding efforts to eradicate load reduction in the two most populous provinces.
Nyati spoke on the sidelines of the Project Management Institute Global Summit in Cape Town, where he said Eskom and the minister of electricity and energy remain aligned on addressing the broader challenges in South Africa’s electricity system.
Where the roll‑out is proving toughest
According to Nyati, Gauteng and KZN are the only provinces where load reduction has not yet been eliminated. He did not offer research‑based explanations for the higher levels of resistance but described the situation as “much more difficult” than elsewhere.
“It is much more difficult in Gauteng and in KZN — very difficult. I have not done the research [on why]; all we know is that we are getting much more resistance there than in other provinces.”
Government targets set in September 2025 by Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa gave a 12‑month window to end load reduction, with an allowance up to 18 months. The minister has flagged community resistance, intimidation and the obstruction of installations as factors slowing the programme; more than 122,000 smart meters were reported as delayed because of these issues.
What residents and managers say — and what it means locally
For households, the switch to prepaid smart meters is meant to reduce sudden cuts to supply by enabling better monitoring and management of loads. For Eskom and government, successful roll‑out forms part of a wider strategy to stabilise the grid and limit emergency load reduction.
But the roll‑out has attracted pushback. Nyati’s comments suggest the opposition in Gauteng is substantial enough to keep the province on the list of those still experiencing load reduction — a reality that will matter for residents who rely on stable municipal and national supply. The utility has also cited meter blockage and illegal connections as complications in other provinces.
- Operational impact: Delays in installing smart meters may prolong load reduction in pockets of Gauteng.
- Community dynamics: Resistance and alleged intimidation are slowing installations and raising safety concerns for technicians.
- Policy deadline: The government’s 12–18 month target to end load reduction faces implementation challenges where resistance is strongest.
At a glance: provincial situation
| Province | Status reported by Nyati |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Resistance; load reduction not yet eliminated |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Resistance; load reduction not yet eliminated |
The limited data in Nyati’s remarks mean the precise scale and geographic spread of resistance within Gauteng remain unclear. He said he had not conducted research into the causes of heightened opposition in these provinces.
For residents in affected areas, the immediate consequences are practical: continued interruptions or imposed load reductions, and the uncertainty of when technicians will be able to complete installations. For technicians and field teams, reports of intimidation raise occupational safety concerns that could require SAPS involvement or municipal coordination.
Municipalities, community organisations and Eskom will need to step up communication and engagement if the roll‑out is to proceed without escalating conflict. Transparent information about how smart meters work, what protections exist for vulnerable consumers, and how illegal connections are addressed could help reduce suspicion.
Nyati’s remarks confirm that the national drive to end load reduction is at a critical stage: success hinges not only on equipment and logistics but on securing consent and safe access in the two provinces where opposition has been strongest.
As the roll‑out continues, residents should expect municipal and Eskom notices about scheduled installations. Anyone concerned about meter replacements or field teams in their area should seek verification from their municipality or Eskom call centres before allowing access.
Reporting from Johannesburg.
