The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has urged municipalities across Gauteng to comply fully with the November 24 deadline for the implementation of the Standard Transfer Specification (STS).

The STS is an internationally recognised standard for the transfer of electricity and other utility prepayment tokens and is used by more than 500 utilities in more than 40 countries worldwide.

In South Africa, more than ten-million prepaid electricity meters, seven-million operated by State-owned Eskom and three-million operated by municipalities including metropolises, rely on STS to function, Salga says.

Failure to comply with the STS rollover deadline poses significant risks to the efficient operation of these systems, potentially leading to disruptions in electricity supply and financial implications for municipalities and consumers.

Gauteng is currently at 75% completion of the STS rollover process, reflecting significant progress towards meeting the upcoming deadline. Notably, Midvaal local municipality stands out with 99% completion, and demonstrating exemplary dedication to meeting the STS requirements, says Salga.

“It is crucial that municipalities in Gauteng adhere to the STS rollover deadline. This standardisation ensures reliable service delivery and financial stability within our communities,” says Salga Gauteng chairperson Jongizizwe Dlabathi.

He urges communities to collaborate closely with municipalities to facilitate a smooth transition to the new STS specifications.

“Community support is essential in assisting municipalities to achieve full compliance by November 2024. Giving access to their meters will ensure that residents have uninterrupted access to electricity.”

Municipalities and stakeholders are encouraged to prioritise the necessary measures to ensure seamless implementation of the STS rollover, thereby safeguarding the continuity of electricity services across Gauteng, he adds.