The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has announced plans to phase out aging prepaid electricity meters across the country, a move aimed at improving efficiency and providing consumers with more accurate data on their energy consumption. The initiative, which will be rolled out in stages, is expected to modernise the way households and businesses monitor and manage electricity usage, while reducing the risk of faults and interruptions.
In a recent notice to residents of Norton, ZESA outlined the process for replacing the old meters with new, technologically advanced devices. According to the utility company, authorised technicians will carry out the installations. “Our authorised technician will visit your premises to install the new prepaid meters. The installation process typically takes about 15 minutes, and you may experience a brief interruption in your energy supply,” the notice read.
ZESA assured customers that the transition would be seamless, with clear instructions provided on how to operate the new meters. The utility stressed that the replacement is a necessary step, as the existing prepaid meters have reached the end of their operational lifespan. “The old prepaid meters have reached end of life; hence the need to install new prepaid meters which will provide you with more accurate and detailed information about your energy usage, enabling you to better manage your energy consumption and reduce your bills or consumption,” ZESA said.
The new meters are designed to offer customers detailed insight into their electricity usage. They will allow households to track consumption patterns in real-time, plan energy use more effectively, and ultimately achieve cost savings. By providing accurate readings, the upgraded meters are expected to reduce billing disputes and enhance transparency between ZESA and its clients.
ZESA to Replace Old Prepaid Meters Nationwide to Boost Efficiency
ZESA emphasised that customer cooperation is key to the smooth rollout of the new meters. Residents are advised to ensure that technicians have easy access to meter locations and to be present during scheduled installations. “Ensure that you are available during the scheduled time. Provide access to the meter location, features, and functionality,” the notice advised.
The utility also encouraged customers to communicate with ZESA if they have questions or concerns. Contact can be made through customer service hotlines or email, with the company emphasising that feedback will help improve the installation process.
Technicians will be fully trained to install and demonstrate the functionality of the new meters. ZESA anticipates that each installation will take approximately 15 minutes, with only a brief interruption to the electricity supply. Residents are urged to plan accordingly to minimise inconvenience.
The replacement of the old prepaid meters is part of ZESA’s broader strategy to modernise electricity supply infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The initiative is expected to address long-standing issues such as meter faults, inaccurate readings, and billing complaints. Over time, worn-out meters can cause technical problems that disrupt power supply, which the utility hopes to avoid with the new devices.
By providing customers with more accurate information on electricity consumption, ZESA believes that the new meters will empower residents and businesses to take control of their energy use. This, in turn, is expected to foster energy efficiency, reduce wastage, and lower household electricity bills. The initiative is also seen as a critical step in aligning Zimbabwe’s electricity infrastructure with modern energy management standards.
ZESA is committed to ensuring that customers are supported throughout the transition. The utility has set up customer care channels to address inquiries and provide guidance on using the new meters. Residents are encouraged to report any issues or provide feedback, which will help ZESA fine-tune the rollout process and ensure minimal disruption.
The utility has also assured the public that the installation of the new meters is safe and straightforward. Technicians will handle all aspects of the replacement, from disconnecting the old meters to installing and demonstrating the new devices. The brief interruption in power supply is a standard safety procedure and is necessary to ensure that the meters are installed correctly.
The nationwide rollout of new prepaid meters represents a significant step forward for ZESA and its customers. By replacing aging infrastructure with modern technology, the utility aims to improve service reliability, enhance billing accuracy, and give consumers greater control over their energy consumption.
As the programme progresses, ZESA urges residents to cooperate with technicians, ensure access to meter locations, and utilise the available customer support channels. The upgrade is expected to bring long-term benefits to both the utility and its clients, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and reliable electricity supply system in Zimbabwe.
With careful planning and customer cooperation, ZESA’s prepaid meter replacement programme promises to modernise energy management nationwide, offering a safer, more transparent, and user-friendly experience for all electricity consumers.
Source- iHarare
