Question NW4051 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
05 January 2024 - NW4051
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
With regard to the planned smart meter programme, what contingency plans are put in place to mitigate potential delays or unforeseen challenges in the smart meter implementation process; (2) What measures has he undertaken to ensure that the smart meters meet all the necessary safety and quality standards; (3) Whether there are any provisions for consumer education and awareness campaigns regarding the benefits and usage of smart meters; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether there will be any associated costs or fees to be incurred by consumers in relation to the smart meter installation or usage; if not, why not; if so, (a) who is liable for funding the smart meter programme and (b) what are the further relevant details; (5) Whether there are plans in place for cost-sharing with consumers or other stakeholders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Ministry/Minister was appointed to oversee and direct the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, with 5-outcome areas. As such, the focus of NECOM has been on strengthening/stabilising generation, enabling the fast tracking of new generation including addressing legislative bottle necks, and accelerating the scale and pace of implementation of renewable energy projects, as well as upscaling rooftop solar/embedded generation projects, and transforming the energy landscape through transformation of the energy sector.
Whilst the deployment of smart meters is an important intervention (in particular to implement demand side management), it has not been a core focus the Ministry work. The level of the question is also largely operational, and assumes a national deployment of smart meters, whereas, smart meters will be deployed by respect distribution licence holders (Eskom and Municipalities). In respect of ESKOM the Department of Public Enterprises remains the shareholder department, to whom the Board of Eskom Holdings is accountable in terms of the Memorandum of Incorporation for strategic outcomes. As such, the question should either be directed to DPE (for Eskom supply distribution area) and the respective Municipalities and or COGTA for Municipal distribution areas