Smart Meter system kicks in

VANDERBIJLPARK. – The much-talked- about Smart Meter Electricity system has officially been launched!
Emfuleni Executive Mayor Gretha Hlongwane recently launched the pilot Smart Meter Electricity system in style by handing out R200 vouchers.
The first house to be switched on using the Customer Interface Unit (CIU) conducted from outside was that of Dr Ferdinand Niyimbanira in SE 7, Vanderbijlpark in September. Niyimbanira is an Economics lecturer at the Vaal University of Technology.
The mayor has been vocal about residents participating to shape up Emfuleni.
She said residents have to pay for the electricity they use. “Emfuleni has been given a political mandate to address the imbalances of the past.”
Councillor Hlongwane said the Gauteng Premier David Makhura has welcomed the new system. It has been described as a thousand-mile journey on a thorny road.
The old infrastructures will be replaced by the new one. The Smart Meter is accurate which will result in correct billings, instant updates, no estimations when taking readings for usage of electricity or water and customers will not be able to bridge electricity.
This will also prevent car washing businesses on street corners from popping up. Such businesses will have to arrange for the installation of water faucets.
* The mayor was joined by the MMC for health Sello Pitso, MMC for finance Mabandla Ronyuza and Emfuleni municipal manager Sam Shabalala.