Still can’t buy prepaid electricity? Durban residents told to go to these centres

Durban residents are still unable to buy prepaid electricity through many of the usual channels as the technical problem affecting the City’s external vending system continues.

The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that work is still underway to restore the system, which has left customers unable to purchase electricity tokens through banking apps, retail outlets and other third-party vending platforms.

The City has now expanded its alternative arrangements, directing residents who urgently need electricity to visit one of six Electricity Customer Service Centres across Durban.

Where can you buy prepaid electricity?

Customers can currently purchase prepaid electricity tokens at the following locations:

Electricity Headquarters – Rotunda

1 Jelf Taylor Crescent, Stamford Hill

Bester Customer Services Centre

20 Ntuzuma Access Road, KwaMashu/Bester, corner of Ntuzuma Road

Isipingo Customer Services Centre

3 Police Station Road, Isipingo

Pinetown Customer Services Centre

60 Kings Road, Pinetown

Umhlanga Customer Services Centre

15 Twilight Drive, Umhlanga

Queensburgh Customer Services Centre

3 Rycroft Road, off Main Road, Queensburgh Metro Police

The problem is still not fixed

The latest announcement comes after the City first reported that a technical interruption had affected its external prepaid electricity vending system.

Investigations identified the problem as an internet service provider connectivity fault affecting third-party vending channels.

While work continues to bring the system back online, residents are being urged to make alternative arrangements rather than relying on their usual methods of buying electricity.

For many customers, that means a trip to one of the designated customer service centres instead of simply purchasing a token through a banking app or at a nearby shop.

The municipality has apologised for the disruption and thanked customers for their patience while the technical challenge is being resolved.

However, no confirmation has yet been given on exactly when the external prepaid electricity vending system will be fully restored.

The City says further updates will be communicated through its official platforms as soon as they become available.