In a prepaid smart electric meter, electricity is cut-off once the pre-paid amount is exhausted, much like a pre-paid mobile number. An alert is sent to the consumer when the balance is low, prompting him/her to recharge the meter, which can be done either automatically or manually.

Can I install this meter in my own home? No. You are still going to receive a utility bill from the council or municipality. If you want your electricity bill to fall away and you are the only user on the property, then contact your local municipality directly.

How does prepaid sub-metering work? Prepaid sub-meters do not replace the council meters and are installed adjacent to the distribution board on the premises or next to the council meter. Tenants purchase a recharge voucher to get a set amount of electricity or water which is entered into the meter.

When the meter balance reaches zero, the meter switches off the electricity that powers your house. Indeed, the prepaid electricity meter has a relay (an automatic switch) which disconnects the power when there is no units left. When you top up, the meter balance increases and the relays lets electricity flows again.