How much does it cost to install a prepaid meter?
A single phase prepaid meter supplied and installed usually falls in the range below. Split meters and three phase meters cost more. The municipal connection fee is separate and it is not our money, which we say plainly because it catches people out.
Booked call-outs from R750Emergencies from R2,500
What this costs
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Single phase prepaid meterMeter supplied, installed and connected. | R1,900 – R2,800 |
| Split prepaid meterKeypad inside, meter outside. Common for cottages and tenants. | R2,600 – R3,600 |
| Three phase prepaid meterFor larger homes and businesses on a three phase supply. | R3,800 – R6,000 |
These are ranges, not quotes. Where your job falls in the range depends on what we find on site. We are not VAT registered, so there is no VAT to add. The price you are quoted is the price you pay.
Call-out rates
A booked visit goes into the next open slot. An emergency call-out is a separate priority service. Both are paid with a 50% deposit online, and the balance after inspection and your agreement.
| Time | Booked visit | Emergency call-out |
|---|---|---|
| Day07:00 – 18:00 | R750 | R2,500 |
| Night18:00 – 07:00 | R1,200 | R3,500 |
What moves the price
Single, split or three phase
A single phase meter is the standard household unit. A split meter puts the keypad inside and the meter outside. Three phase is for larger homes and businesses.
Where the meter goes
Mounting next to the existing supply is quick. A new position means a new enclosure and a cable run.
Whether an enclosure is needed
An outdoor meter needs a weatherproof box if there is not a usable one already.
The state of the existing connection
If the incoming cable or the DB board is not up to standard, that has to be put right before a meter goes on it.
How long it takes
Two to four hours for a single phase meter. Longer for three phase or a new position.
Included
- The meter itself, supplied
- Installation, connection and testing
- Showing you how to load units and read the keypad
Not included
- The municipal connection or registration fee, charged directly by City Power, Eskom or your local council, which runs from about R500 to R3,000
- Upgrading your supply capacity, which is a municipal application
- Repairs to the existing DB board or incoming cable
Questions
Is the municipal fee included in your price?
No, and you should know that upfront. The council charges its own connection or registration fee and that money goes to them, not to us. It varies by area and supply, and runs from roughly R500 to R3,000. Our price covers the meter and the installation.
Can I put in a prepaid meter for my tenant?
Yes, and a split meter is usually the right choice. The keypad goes where the tenant can reach it and the meter stays outside in a sealed box, which separates their usage from yours cleanly.
Do I need a CoC for a prepaid meter?
The new work needs to be certified. If the rest of the installation has no valid certificate, that is a separate full inspection.
Will I lose power during the installation?
Yes, for a few hours while the meter is connected. We arrange a time that suits you.
Is there VAT on top?
Not on our side. We are not VAT registered. The municipal fee is set by the council and may include VAT of its own.
Related services
- Prepaid meterSingle and three phase prepaid meters installed and connected.
- What a DB board costsWhat a new board costs, and what the number of circuits does to the price.
- What a CoC costsWhat the inspection and certificate cost, and why repairs are priced separately.
- Electrician in JohannesburgCall-outs, repairs and CoCs across Johannesburg.
We cover Johannesburg, Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria, East Rand (Ekurhuleni), West Rand. Areas we cover
Need an electrician?
Book a day, night or emergency call-out online, or message us on WhatsApp.