BPC switch to prepaid power gains momentum

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Tuesday January 22, 2013 00:00

The conversion in Selebi-Phikwe follows similar developments in Gaborone, Jwaneng and Lobatse where the system is already operating.BPC Marketing and Communications Manager, Spencer Moreri told Mmegi Business last Friday that the exercise started at Phase One Location in the mining town. He said BPC has decided to carry out the conversion location by location so as to avoid overcrowding at their offices.  Moreri said customers will be notified through a public address system as the conversion goes from one location to another.He explained that the smart meters used for prepaid electricity can also be used for post paid systems. He added that customers only have to clear their electricity bills or enter into a payment plan with the corporation before they can switch to the new system.

'After the smart meter has been converted to prepaid, customers should complete forms then they should purchase electricity units from our offices. It is at a later stage that they can start purchasing units from super vendors such as Botswana Post,' said Moreri.The current conversion of smart meters covers both Selebi-Phikwe and Francistown and the initiative is expected to be completed by the end of the year.  Moreri said customers have welcomed the project as a solution to the problems they encountered with electricity bills. He said that the corporation will continue to inform people about the new system through Kgotla and council meetings.

Moreri also warned customers to be on the lookout for impostors claiming  BPC employees, hoping to gain access into homes.'Customers should ask for identification from our employees when they come to their homes. Our employees also have uniforms,' he added.   Over the last two years, BPC has implemented two projects that impacted on consumer meter readings and billing. The installed gadgets have produced mixed results. SAP software was implemented to integrate different systems used for billing, accounting and connection costs but this has seen some customers crying foul over high electricity bills.

The Hot Water Load Control system was implemented in towns and cities using smart meters as part of demand side management.Recently, the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila told Parliament that BPC is putting in place a system that will allow customers to purchase prepaid electricity through various distribution channels. 'These channels will include but will not be limited to ATM's, cellular phones, internet, kiosks and points of sale in shops and supermarkets,' said Mokaila.