Optimal provision of electricity will get a huge boost as Enoch Mgijima will be installing smart meters in areas around the Municipality. Actual implementation of the project will begin on 01 June targeting strategic areas and will be completed at the end of September. Preparatory work of auditing electricity infrastructure before installation has begun.
The Smart Meter Project is funded by the National Treasury Department with a view to strengthen municipal infrastructure and enhancing service delivery to communities.
This project is implemented through the RT29 transversal contract, enabling the Municipality to procure and install IoT-enabled smart meters that will modernize our electricity metering systems.
Speaking during the introduction of the contractor Enoch Mgijima Municipal Manager Ms Ayakha Ntengenyane said “the Municipality currently experiences immense electricity losses mainly due to area illegal connections, individual tampers, technical faults as well as theft and vandalism of our infrastructure. Electricity is supposed to the main source of revenue for the Municipality but the consistent losses have adverse financial implications. It must be noted that this is a revenue optimisation operation, and not aimed at dealing with offenders. The recently installed smart meters will be Intergrated into the new system”.
After installation of new smart meters, the Municipality will be able to remotely monitor the grid and any occurrences from a central control point. Tempers will be detected in real time which will help manage losses. System overload will be detected and managed optimally.
Benefits of using smart meters:
- Revenue Optimization
The project will address revenue loss challenges by enabling accurate billing, significantly reducing electricity and water theft, and improving revenue collection efficiency. Smart metering technology allows for timely detection of tampering and anomalies, ensuring that the Municipality can recover costs associated with service provision and reinvest in community infrastructure. - Operational Efficiency
Leveraging real-time consumption and infrastructure data, the Municipality will enhance its ability to monitor demand, manage usage trends, and reduce unplanned maintenance. The data-driven nature of the system will improve decision-making and resource deployment, ultimately lowering operational costs. - Consumer Empowerment
Residents and businesses will benefit from transparent, real-time access to their consumption data, which will be accessible through user-friendly platforms. This transparency will foster accountability and responsible usage, enabling consumers to better manage their utility expenses. - Sustainability
By promoting demand-side management, the smart metering infrastructure will contribute to efforts to alleviate load-shedding, reduce environmental strain, and conserve both energy and water resources. This aligns with broader environmental stewardship goals and the Municipality’s commitment to sustainable service delivery. - Technological Innovation
The use of IoT-enabled devices under the RT29 contract streamlines the procurement and deployment processes. These devices are equipped with remote reading, tamper detection, and usage monitoring features, supporting a smart infrastructure foundation that is adaptable and future ready. - Strategic Alignment
The project contributes meaningfully to the national Smart Grid Vision 2030 and lays the groundwork for the Municipality’s future Smart City aspirations. It represents a decisive step forward in integrating advanced technology into public service delivery frameworks.
The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality extends its appreciation to National Treasury for its ongoing support and strategic investment in local government development. Community members will be engaged throughout the project lifecycle to ensure inclusive participation, and updates will be communicated regularly through official channels.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward building a resilient, efficient, and future-oriented Municipality.
END
For more information
Lonwabo Kowa
Manager: Communications 0674155822
