As the November 24, 2024, deadline approaches, South African households using Eskom prepaid meters must act swiftly to ensure their meters are upgraded. This Eskom prepaid meter upgrade is a critical step to avoid electricity supply disruptions and ensure compliance with updated security protocols.
What Is the Eskom Prepaid Meter Upgrade?
Eskom prepaid meters rely on a system called the Standard Transfer Specification (STS). This system uses 20-digit tokens to recharge electricity. Each token includes a Token Identifier (TID) that prevents reuse, but the current TID system will expire on 24 November 2024.
Without the upgrade to Key Revision Number (KRN) 2, meters will stop accepting tokens, leading to a complete loss of electricity supply once existing credit runs out. The Eskom prepaid meter upgrade ensures your meter is compatible with the new token system.
Why Is the Upgrade Necessary?
The upgrade ensures:
- Continuous Electricity Supply: Non-upgraded meters will stop working after the deadline.
- Enhanced Security: The updated system is more secure and resistant to fraud.
- Compliance with Standards: Eskom is aligning its systems with global standards for prepaid electricity systems.
How to Check If Your Meter Needs an Upgrade
You can easily check your meter’s status with the following steps:
- Enter this code: 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter’s keypad.
- Check the display:
- If it shows 1 or 1.2, your meter needs an upgrade.
- If it shows 2 or 2.2, your meter is already updated.
See: How to Check if Your Prepaid Electricity Meter is Updated to KRN2
Steps for the Eskom Prepaid Meter Upgrade
If your meter is still on the old system, follow these simple steps to upgrade:
- Purchase Electricity: Buy electricity from a trusted vendor.
- Receive Recode Tokens: You will receive two 20-digit recode tokens along with your electricity token.
- Enter Recode Tokens:
- Enter the first recode token.
- Enter the second recode token.
- Recharge Your Meter: After entering the recode tokens, load your purchased electricity token to complete the upgrade.
Things to Keep in Mind
Upgrading your Eskom prepaid meter is a straightforward process, but there are a few critical points to consider to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. Use Current Tokens Before Upgrading
- Before upgrading, ensure you use up all your current electricity tokens. Once the meter is updated to the new Key Revision Number (KRN) 2, any old tokens you haven’t used will become invalid and cannot be redeemed.
- Plan your electricity purchases carefully in the weeks leading up to the upgrade. For example, avoid buying more electricity than you can use before the upgrade process is completed.
2. Authorized Vendors Only
- Only purchase electricity and recode tokens from authorized Eskom vendors. Scammers may take advantage of this process to sell fraudulent tokens or charge fees for the upgrade.
- If you are unsure whether a vendor is legitimate, check Eskom’s list of approved vendors on their official website or call their customer service for verification.
- Avoid sharing personal information, like meter numbers, with unknown individuals who claim to assist with the upgrade.
3. The Upgrade Is Free
- The Eskom prepaid meter upgrade process is completely free. Eskom has made this service accessible to ensure all households comply without additional financial strain.
- If anyone demands payment to perform the upgrade, this is a scam. Report such incidents immediately to Eskom or the South African Police Service. Keeping receipts from purchases made during this time is also a good idea in case you need to verify your transactions.
4. Double-Check Your Tokens
- When you receive your recode tokens, double-check them to ensure they are valid. A mistake in entering the tokens could cause errors in the upgrade process. Enter the numbers carefully and recheck before confirming each input.
- If a token is rejected or shows an error message, contact Eskom or the vendor immediately for support.
5. Timing Matters
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to upgrade your meter. Eskom and authorized vendors are likely to experience high volumes of customers as the deadline nears, which could result in long delays or difficulties accessing support.
- Start the process early to ensure that, if any issues arise, you have enough time to resolve them before the November 24, 2024, deadline.
6. Understand the Process
- Familiarize yourself with the exact steps needed to perform the upgrade. Having a clear understanding of how to enter the recode tokens and update your meter will save you time and prevent errors.
- If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, seek guidance from Eskom’s support channels, including their toll-free number and online chatbot.
7. Keep Track of Your Meter Status
- After completing the upgrade, confirm that your meter is now operating under KRN 2. You can verify this by entering the test code 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416. If the display shows “2” or “2.2,” the upgrade was successful.
- Keeping a record of this confirmation could be useful in case of disputes or technical issues later.
8. Educate Others in Your Community
- Share what you’ve learned about the upgrade process with neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who might not have access to the internet or updated information. Many households are unaware of the deadline, and by sharing this information, you can help others avoid losing their electricity supply.
- Encourage others to start the process early to avoid a last-minute rush.
9. Check for Updates from Eskom
- Eskom may provide additional announcements or instructions as the deadline approaches. Stay informed by checking Eskom’s website, social media platforms, or local news channels for updates.
- Ensure that you follow the most recent guidelines, as the company could refine the process to improve efficiency.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Failing to complete the Eskom prepaid meter upgrade before November 24, 2024, will result in:
- Inability to load new electricity tokens.
- Electricity supply disruptions once current credit runs out.
- Potential replacement costs of up to R12,000 for a new meter.
Where to Get Help
If you experience issues during the upgrade process, Eskom provides several resources:
- Eskom Call Centre: 0860 037 566
- Online Support: Eskom’s Alfred Chatbot is available at Alfred Chatroom.
- Provincial Support: Contact your nearest Eskom representative for assistance.
The Eskom prepaid meter upgrade is a simple but essential process for all prepaid electricity users. By following the outlined steps and upgrading your meter before the deadline, you can avoid disruptions and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.