In South Africa, borrowing electricity is typically done through a system called prepaid electricity.
It’s not exactly “borrowing,” but rather paying upfront for the electricity you intend to use.
This system is common in many areas, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Understanding Prepaid Electricity
How it Works: Think of it like buying airtime for your phone. You purchase electricity units upfront, and these units are then loaded onto your electricity meter. As you use electricity, the units are deducted from your meter.
Benefits: Prepaid electricity gives you more control over your electricity usage, as you can budget in advance and avoid accumulating bills.
Step 2: Getting a Prepaid Electricity Meter
Contact Your Electricity Provider: The first step is to contact your local municipality or Eskom (the national electricity provider). They will guide you through the process of getting a prepaid meter installed.
Installation: A technician will come to your home to install the meter. This usually involves replacing your old meter with a new prepaid meter.
Step 3: Purchasing Electricity
Where to Buy: You can purchase electricity units at various places:
Vending Stations: These are often found at supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations.
Online Platforms: Some electricity providers allow you to purchase units online or through a mobile app.
Banking Apps: Many banks offer the option to buy electricity through their apps or online banking platforms.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need your meter number to purchase electricity. This is usually found on your meter or on the receipt you received when the meter was installed.
Step 4: Entering Your Electricity Token
What’s a Token?: When you purchase electricity, you’ll receive a token – a unique code with a series of numbers.
Entering the Token: Enter the token into your electricity meter using the keypad. The meter will then be credited with the units you purchased.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Electricity Usage
Check Your Meter: Your prepaid meter will display how many units you have remaining. It’s a good idea to check it regularly so you know when to buy more.
Budgeting: Since you’re paying upfront, try to estimate how much electricity you’ll need and budget accordingly. This will help you avoid running out of power unexpectedly.
Important Things to Note:
- Tariff Rates: Electricity tariffs (prices) vary depending on your location and provider. Be sure to inquire about the current rates when purchasing electricity.
- Disconnections: If you run out of electricity units, your power will be disconnected. You’ll need to purchase more units to reconnect.
- Emergency Credit: Some meters offer emergency credit, allowing you to use a small amount of electricity even if you run out of units. This is typically a temporary measure until you can buy more units.
- Customer Support: If you have any issues with your meter or purchasing electricity, contact your electricity provider’s customer support for assistance.