South Africa plans to introduce a new electricity billing system in December 2025 that will affect how prepaid & postpaid customers pay for power. The changes aim to update meter technology & fix ongoing problems with token errors while making the electricity network more transparent nationwide. Households with prepaid meters need to take certain steps before the launch to prevent service disruptions. The new framework represents a significant shift in how electricity is measured and billed across the country. Officials say the current system has become outdated and causes frequent technical issues that frustrate customers. Many prepaid users have experienced problems with purchasing tokens or loading them onto their meters.
Prepaid Meter Readiness Checklist for December 2025
| Process Stage | Required Action by Households | Target Completion Timeline | Authorised Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meter Verification | Confirm that the prepaid electricity meter serial number is accurately recorded | Before 14 December 2025 | Local municipal authority |
| Token Identifier Update | Load the mandatory Token Identifier (TID) update codes into the meter | By 15 December 2025 | Eskom or authorised service provider |
| Token Function Test | Buy and load a small-value electricity token to ensure successful acceptance | By 20 December 2025 | Customer or electricity vendor |
| Verification Submission | Submit meter verification confirmation if requested by authorities | By 25 December 2025 | Municipal electricity office |
| System Activation Check | Confirm that the meter is fully active on the updated billing platform | 26 December 2025 | Eskom |
Understanding the December 2025 Electricity Billing Change
The new billing system represents a collaborative effort between the government and Eskom to address longstanding customer concerns about inaccurate meter readings and malfunctioning prepaid tokens. The initiative also aims to modernize aging electrical infrastructure that has caused problems for consumers over many years. The updated framework introduces enhanced digital verification for both prepaid & postpaid electricity meters. This technology ensures that electricity consumption and payment records are captured with greater accuracy than previous systems allowed. Prepaid electricity users face an important requirement under the new system. Older meters need synchronization with the updated Token Identifier system to continue functioning properly.
How Households Can Prepare Their Prepaid Meters Early
Households should take action well before the deadline arrives. The preparation process includes checking the physical meter to find its serial number and making sure that number matches what the municipal records show. Any necessary software updates must also be completed. Eskom service centers and municipal electricity offices can verify whether a meter meets the requirements. After completing the update households need to test a new token. This step is essential because it helps identify any problems early. When issues are discovered early enough households have sufficient time to resolve them before the nationwide switch takes place.
Common Risks That Could Lead to Power Disconnections
The biggest risk comes from inaction. Prepaid meters that are not updated or registered correctly may reject tokens once the new billing system is active. Unverified accounts or outstanding balances could also delay reconnections in some cases. Authorities have emphasized that the purpose of the new system is not to penalize users but to standardize electricity billing across South Africa. Early preparation significantly reduces the chance of temporary power loss during the transition period.
Why Eskom’s Official Checklist Matters
The official Eskom and municipal checklist helps households stay connected without any interruptions. Every step makes sure that meters work properly with the new billing system. This process allows Eskom to fix system problems and provide better service to customers over time.
