D-Day: TID rollover looms

As of today, prepaid electricity consumers in Namibia have less than two days to ensure their prepaid meters are compliant with the national token identifier (TID) rollover or they risk being left without power.While a majority have complied so far, thousands of households could face being cut off from the power grid when the due date for the TID rollover campaign arrives on Sunday, 24 November. Namibia has a total of 335 964 prepaid electricity meters, with 325 106 meters (97%) rolled over (recoded) and 10 858 (3%) meters still needing to be rolled over, according to the Electricity Control Board's (ECB) national TID rollover project implementation register, which was updated on 21 November.Towns in southern Namibia have recorded the highest non-compliance levels ahead of the rollover deadline.Out of 43 916 meters recorded in southern Namibian residential areas, 37 924 (86%) have been recoded, leaving 5 992 (14%) still non-compliant. Dark days aheadLüderitz residents have voiced their serious concerns about the impending deadline and its potential consequences. A resident and business owner in Lüderitz expressed concern about individuals who may be unable to purchase electricity because their prepaid meters have not been recoded as required by the TID rollover campaign.The update of prepaid meters is necessary due to the date-linked token security mechanism that has been counting down since January 1993.By Sunday, the system will run out of range, and meters that have not been recoded will no longer accept credit vouchers. Households with non-compliant meters will then face a cost of N$2 280 for new device installations after the cut-off date. “Soon, many of our residents will be left in the dark when their meters cease to function. Some will definitely be left without electricity this festive season and beyond,” lamented a Lüderitz resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.According to him, L?deritz Town Council has let residents down. “Many failed to have their meters recoded despite ample time afforded to have the procedure done. [The council] is now telling people to buy extra units in advance for the months ahead. The question is, how will people that can hardly afford to put food on their tables do this?” he pointed out. Disputed figuresThe ECB TID rollover project implementation register shows there are 7 050 prepaid meters in Lüderitz.Of these, 5 724 meters (81%) had been recoded, with 1 326 meters (19%) still non-compliant. Elia Haifete, a Lüderitz town council technician, disputed this, saying it is not a true reflection of the situation in the town.“We replaced close to 1 000 PT1 non-compliant meters with an estimated 500 of these types of meters that were introduced in 1998, still left to be replaced. This amount of replaced meters does not reflect on the ECB National TID rollover project implementation register. Our process is about 98% completed.”Burning issueLüderitz mayor Phillippus Balhao said council was doing everything in its power to avoid any loss of electricity supply to residents.“Many are not in a position to purchase additional tokens [and] this means their supply will be cut off. Those who are able to purchase more tokens as a backup mechanism should do so before the due date. Residents are also urged to contact our electrical division without delay and report meters that have not been recoded,” he advised.Balhao emphasised that the risk of an increase in fire incidents in the absence of electricity supply is real. “Some homeowners will have to resort to alternative means to prepare meals, for example. We urge all affected residents to take extra care when preparing food and other items on open flames. Our fire department is prepared, efficiently equipped and ready for emergencies."Time running outAccording to the resident who contacted this publication, the situation is complicated by the availability of on-call technicians.“Many people are at work during the day when technicians are available to do the procedure.”Haifete said the council has roped in 10 persons in addition to two full-time technicians to deal with the issue.“Council took a decision more than a week ago to allow technicians to work beyond official hours. We also hosted online video information sessions on our social media platforms to raise more awareness. Notices were also sent out and posted on notice boards.”Haifete said most of the properties without the compliant prepaid meters are located in Nautilus suburb and within the town area.“Time is running out. The biggest issue we have to deal with is an apparent lack of cooperation and the availability of property owners. Most of the properties where we are experiencing problems are located in Bismarck Street.”He urged residents whose electricity has been cut off to visit the council offices to have their meters recoded.“Those who need replacements or must have their meters updated can contact us when they are at home so we can do the replacement or updating process.”

D-Day: TID rollover looms

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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D-Day: TID rollover looms

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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