Frustration mounts as Eskom customers endure long queues to upgrade meters

Eskom

Cape Town – Frustrated Eskom customers says they endured over 14 hours in long queues at service centre in Johannesburg, trying to update their prepaid meters before Sunday’s deadline to avoid a R12,000 replacement fee.  

At the Zola center, only 300 people were assisted, leaving many to wait in extreme heat without water or toilets, EWN reported. 

Residents criticised Eskom for inadequate notice and support, with some losing hope after spending multiple days in line.

According to The Citizen, in Soweto over two million customers were still unregistered.

Long queues at service centres have forced some to wait overnight, enduring poor organisation, extreme heat, and inadequate facilities, the report said. 

Residents, including elderly and disabled individuals, criticised Eskom’s poor planning and lack of timely communication.

“We are here because we do not want to be switched off. We are willing to pay for electricity consumption and comply, even though we don’t have the money, But we need information in time which we were not given.

“We have been coming here for days, they always cut off the queues before we get help,” the report quoted one resident as saying.

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on Wednesday ruled out an extension, citing the burden on compliant customers.

He also pointed to widespread meter bypassing as a major issue.

Despite the challenges, Eskom insists it will assist all customers before the deadline.

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