South Africa is introducing a new electricity billing system in December 2025 that will affect how people use their prepaid & postpaid meters. Every household must make sure their prepaid meter is ready before this date to prevent unexpected power disconnections. The goal is to make billing clearer & fix problems with faulty token systems while promoting better energy habits. Consumers should inspect their meters and update any required software. Following the official Eskom billing checklist will help avoid problems when the new system starts.

Understanding the December 2025 Billing Change
The government and Eskom have announced a new electricity billing update that will affect prepaid and conventional users. This decision follows numerous complaints about outdated systems & inaccurate readings. The aim is to improve billing reliability & reduce manual recharges by introducing digital verification for prepaid tokens. South Africans must now verify their meter number registration and update old software codes before activation. This will allow customers to continue buying and loading tokens without interruption after December 2025.
How to Prepare Your Prepaid Meter Before the Deadline
Households need to act now to make sure their prepaid meter upgrade is done before the deadline. The Electricity Department has released a simple checklist for users to check if they are ready. This includes looking for meter serial numbers updating the Token Identifier system and checking that test recharges work properly. Users can go to their nearest Eskom service center or call their local municipality to find out if their area meets the requirements. Skipping these steps could mean tokens get rejected or reconnections take longer after the official switch date.

Common Problems and Power Cutoff Risks Explained
Many users worry about losing power when the new billing policy starts. Experts say that people who don’t update their TID or have unregistered meters might experience temporary disconnections. This system aims to ensure proper digital billing alignment nationwide rather than punish anyone. Households should verify their accounts with the local municipality and look for any unpaid balances. Taking action early will prevent the hassle of sudden power cuts during the transition period.
New Electricity Billing Starts December 2025 Prepaid Meter Readiness Checklist & Avoid Power Cutoffs
Official Electricity Billing and Meter Readiness Checklist
Here is a complete table that outlines the steps & deadlines for implementing the new billing system in South Africa. Consumers should use this table as a guide to prepare for the official transition.

| Step | Action Required | Deadline | Authority Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify prepaid meter serial number | Before 14 December 2025 | Local Municipality |
| 2 | Perform Token Identifier (TID) update | By 15 December 2025 | Eskom / Service Provider |
| 3 | Test recharge using new token | By 20 December 2025 | Customer / Vendor |
| 4 | Submit meter verification form | By 25 December 2025 | Municipal Office |
| 5 | Confirm billing activation | 26 December 2025 | Eskom |
