clarify the metering system used by Eskom.
The metering system used by Eskom refers to the method of measuring and monitoring the electricity consumption of its customers. Eskom, which is the largest electricity utility in South Africa, employs different types of metering systems depending on the type of customer and the specific requirements.
For residential customers, Eskom typically uses traditional electromechanical meters or newer electronic/digital meters. Electromechanical meters are the standard mechanical devices with rotating dials that measure the amount of electricity consumed. Electronic or digital meters are more advanced devices that use solid-state electronics to measure and record energy consumption.
For commercial and industrial customers, Eskom often utilizes more advanced metering systems such as interval or time-of-use meters. Interval meters capture energy consumption data at regular intervals, typically every 15 minutes or hourly, providing more granular information about how electricity is being used. Time-of-use meters allow for different electricity rates based on the time of day, encouraging customers to shift their consumption to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
Eskom's metering systems are generally connected to a central data management system, allowing for remote reading and monitoring of meter data. This enables accurate billing, load management, and the identification of any abnormalities or energy theft.
Overall, Eskom's metering system aims to accurately measure and monitor electricity consumption while promoting efficient usage and fair billing for its customers.