Connecting a prepaid meter for tenants comes down to three things: hiring a registered electrician, installing an STS-compliant sub-meter on a dedicated circuit from your DB board, and getting a Certificate of Compliance issued. The whole job takes half a day and costs between R1,500 and R3,500 depending on your existing wiring. Once it's done, your tenant buys their own electricity tokens and you never chase an unpaid utility bill again.
We install prepaid sub-meters for landlords across the Western Cape every week. Below is exactly how the process works — from choosing the right meter to the final compliance sign-off.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does installation cost? | R1,500 – R3,500 (single-phase sub-meter, installed) |
| How long does it take? | 3–5 hours for a standard installation |
| Do I need a CoC? | Yes — required by law after any electrical work (SANS 10142) |
| Which meters are used? | Conlog Intech, Itron, or Landis+Gyr (STS-compliant) |
| Is it legal for tenants? | Yes — fully legal under the Rental Housing Act |
| Can I charge a markup? | Only actual cost + reasonable admin fee (Electricity Regulation Act) |
Why Landlords Are Switching to Prepaid Sub-Meters
If you own rental property in Cape Town — whether it's a granny flat in Bergvliet, a duplex in Bellville, or a block of flats in Woodstock — you've probably dealt with the headache of splitting electricity bills. Tenants dispute readings, payments arrive late, and when someone moves out owing R2,000 in electricity, you're left holding the bill.
A prepaid meter installation solves all of this. Your tenant loads tokens, the meter tracks usage, and when credit runs out the supply disconnects automatically. No arrears, no arguments, no admin.
The Financial Case
Consider a two-unit property where you currently split the municipal bill. A single prepaid sub-meter costs around R2,000–R2,500 installed. If you were previously absorbing even R400/month in unpaid electricity, the meter pays for itself within six months.
Step 1: Choose the Right Meter
All prepaid meters installed in South Africa must be STS-compliant (Standard Transfer Specification). This means the token system is universal — your tenant can buy electricity from any vendor, whether that's Shoprite, their banking app, or a municipal vending station.
Popular Meter Brands in SA
- Conlog Intech — the most widely installed in the Western Cape. Reliable, compact, good keypad.
- Itron — common in municipal installations. Solid build quality.
- Landis+Gyr — often used in commercial sub-metering.
Step 2: Prepare Your DB Board
The prepaid meter needs its own dedicated circuit on the main DB board. Your electrician will:
- Assess the existing DB board capacity
- Install a dedicated circuit breaker for the tenant's supply
- Run cabling from the DB board to the meter location
- Ensure the earth leakage unit covers the new circuit
Step 3: Installation Day — What Happens
Morning (2–3 Hours)
- Power down — we isolate the supply at the main breaker
- Mount the meter — either in a weatherproof enclosure outside or on a DIN rail
- Wire the circuit — connect the meter between the main supply and the tenant's circuit breaker
- Install the keypad — mount the token entry unit inside the tenant's living space
What It Costs
| Item | Cost (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-phase prepaid meter (Conlog/Itron) | R850 – R1,200 |
| Installation labour | R600 – R1,200 |
| Certificate of Compliance (CoC) | R800 – R1,500 |
| DB board modification (if needed) | R500 – R1,500 |
| Total (standard installation) | R1,500 – R3,500 |
Step 4: Legal Requirements You Must Know
Rental Housing Act
The Rental Housing Act allows landlords to recover electricity costs from tenants. You can install sub-meters, but you may only charge at the municipal tariff rate plus a reasonable administration fee.
SANS 10142 Compliance
All electrical work must comply with SANS 10142. A registered electrician must perform the work and issue a Certificate of Compliance upon completion.
Step 5: Setting Up Token Vending
Where Tenants Buy Tokens
- Banking apps — FNB, Capitec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Absa
- Retail stores — Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, spaza shops
- Online vendors — Flash, SnapScan
- Municipal vending stations — City of Cape Town offices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a prepaid meter mid-lease?
Yes, but notify your tenant in writing and update the lease agreement. Give at least 30 days' notice.
What happens if credit runs out at night?
Most modern meters have an "emergency credit" feature — typically R50–R100 that kicks in automatically when the balance hits zero.
Do I need a separate meter for each unit?
Yes. Each rental unit should have its own dedicated sub-meter on its own circuit.
Can I monitor my tenant's usage?
With a standard keypad meter, no. Smart prepaid meters (GSM-enabled) allow remote monitoring — these cost R2,500–R4,000 installed.
Need a Prepaid Meter Installed?
Abacas Solution installs prepaid sub-meters for landlords across the Western Cape. Registered electricians, CoC issued.
Get a Free Quote Call 067 071 9472
