Question NW483 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
10 April 2018 - NW483
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What is the cost to Eskom of its meter-reading with regard to each meter for (a)(i) urban and (ii) rural households and (b)(i) farms and (ii) industrial undertakings? NW550E
Reply:
Disclaimer: According to the information received from Eskom
For small power users, which include urban households, rural households and farms, meters are read by meter reading contractors and rates are largely determined by accessibility, density and terrain.
Eskom’s total costs for meter reading for the financial year 2016/17 is R70.4 million. Costs for the current year as at January 2018 is R60.7 million.
(a)(i)
As at August 2017 the average cost to Eskom for meter reading per urban installation is R28.57.
(a)(ii)
As at August 2017 the average cost to Eskom for meter reading per rural installation is R50.00.
(b)(i)
As at August 2017 the average cost to Eskom for meter reading per farm installation is R61.73.
(b)(ii)
Eskom uses own internal resources for meter reading at industrial customers. Where internal resources are not available the cost for meter reading is R89.23 as at August 2017.
The majority of industrial customers are read electronically, and half-hourly meter readings are obtained to ensure effective and accurate billing.