How To Recode Prepaid Meter Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're searching for how to recode a prepaid meter online, chances are your prepaid meter stopped working because you missed the STS rollover deadline on November 24, 2024. This update was required for all prepaid electricity users in South Africa to prevent meters from rejecting new top-up tokens.
While many households managed to complete this recoding process on time, you might be one of the users left unsure about what to do now that the deadline has passed. The good news is, you can still recode your prepaid meter online. If you have a prepaid meter, this guide breaks down what's happening, why it matters, and what steps to follow.
Why You Might Need to Recode Your Prepaid Meter
You might need to recode your meter due to a mandatory update for all STS-compliant prepaid meters. The Standard Transfer Specification is the global standard for prepaid electricity systems. Each prepaid token has a Token Identifier (TID). It's a timestamp that represents the number of minutes since January 1, 1993. This number of minutes runs out on November 24, 2024.
After the deadline, all prepaid meters will reject top-up tokens if not updated. Moreover, the base date will be changed to January 1, 2014. Prepaid meter users had to learn how to recode prepaid meters online because they're encouraged to recode their meters on time through DIY recoding. The Key Change Tokens were usually attached when you top up during the update campaign.
However, this option was mainly available to users who followed the instructions before the cutoff date. If you did not update your meter before the deadline, DIY recoding might no longer be possible through the usual top-up tokens. Your best option is to contact your electricity provider to request your Key Change Tokens.
What You'll Need Before You Begin
Before you learn how to recode a prepaid meter online, there are a few things you need to prepare. You will need them as you reach out to your electricity provider and as you recode your prepaid meter. Here's what you will need before you begin:
1. Your Meter Number
This is the serial number printed on your prepaid meter. It's a unique 11-digit number you will need when buying electricity or requesting the recode tokens. If you don't know how to check electricity meter number, you can try some codes according to your meter's brand.
If you're using a Hexing meter, press “804” on your meter's keypad. If you're using a Conlog meter, press “#100#” on the keypad. If you're using a Landis & Gyr meter, press “i000” on the keypad. If you enter the wrong meter number when requesting tokens, your update will not work.
2. Your Recent Token Receipt
When you contact your supplier, they might need your account details for verification purposes. Your provider may ask for your recent or last top-up token to help them verify your meter account and generate the necessary recode tokens.
3. Access To Your Supplier
You must know how to contact your electricity provider. Some users purchase tokens from third-party apps or shops. However, recoding tokens must be requested directly from your supplier. If your provider is your local municipality or Eskom, visit their online portal to ask for support.
4. Internet Connection
If you plan to request Key Change Tokens online, make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection. This is to ensure an uninterrupted communication when you contact your supplier. This will help you successfully recode online without going to your supplier's office.
5. Access To Your Meter
Lastly, ensure you can access your prepaid meter, and that it's not placed in an area that's hard to reach. Check also if the keypad is working. The recoding process will require you to enter the three 20-digit codes in proper order using your meter's keypad.
How to Recode a Prepaid Meter Online — Step-by-Step
If you are still figuring out how to recode a prepaid meter online, the process can be simple if you have all your details ready. Eskom and most municipal suppliers provided automatic token updates before the deadline. But if you missed it, there are still ways to request assistance online.
1. Visit Your Supplier's Official Website
Visit the official website of your provider, such as Eskom or your local municipality. Eskom, as a national supplier, also has a dedicated page about Key Revision Number rollover and how to check if your meter was upgraded from KRN 1 to KRN 2. On your supplier's website, navigate to their customer service section.
2. Go to the Customer Support Section
On your electricity provider's website, find their customer service page or a section related to Key Change Token support. For Eskom's website, navigate to their customer service page to see their contact details. You can call them at 08600 or 08600 37566.
You can also save their customer care number and chat with their chatbot, “Alfred,” for inquiries. Explain your inquiry or situation when communicating with your supplier, especially tell them that you missed the deadline. Ask them if it's still possible to ask for Key Change Tokens.
3. Prepare Your Meter Details
Before calling or contacting your supplier, prepare your meter number and account details, such as your account number. If your meter was not automatically recoded before the deadline, this information helps them locate your record and issue the new Key Change Tokens.
4. Wait For Your Key Change Tokens
Your supplier will assess the information you provided and your situation regarding missing the deadline. Wait for their response, which might take some time. If your details are valid, the provider will send you two unique 20-digit codes known as Key Change Tokens.
5. Enter The Codes into Your Meter
If you're granted Key Change Tokens, enter each code slowly using the keypad. Enter the first token, then wait for confirmation. After that, enter the second token and wait for the screen to confirm. Finally, enter a top-up token to test your meter. If all codes are accepted, your meter is successfully recoded, and you can begin using electricity again.
Troubleshooting Common Errors: When Your Meter Rejects the Code
Even after learning how to recode prepaid meters online, you may still encounter errors when trying to load your tokens. These errors can happen for various reasons. Here's how to troubleshoot common error codes if you see them:
1. “rEjEct”
This error message means your token is invalid or has not been authenticated. Double-check if you typed the token correctly. According to Eskom, you cannot clear this message, and you need to contact them at 08600. Avoid using tokens from third-party vendors who are not authorized.
2. “USED.”
This error message indicates that your token has already been used or expired. This happens if you enter the same token code without knowing. Try to purchase a new token and enter it into the keypad slowly. If the meter still does not respond, contact your vendor to request assistance.
3. “OUEr_Por.”
This error message means that you're using too many appliances at home, which has overloaded your prepaid meter. Try to unplug all of your appliances and wait for the meter to return to normal. Once it's normal, try entering your token again. Consider using a few appliances at peak hours.
4. “Loct-oUT.”
This error message indicates that you exceeded the limit of your power credits. It can be due to using power-hungry devices simultaneously. According to Eskom, you will not have power until you clear this error. You have to wait until this message clears on its own.
Tips to Keep Your Prepaid Meter Working Smoothly After Recoding
Once you've figured out how to recode a prepaid meter online, you have to keep your prepaid meter in good condition. A properly maintained meter helps you avoid common errors, such as token rejection or lockouts. Here's how to keep your prepaid meter working smoothly:
1. Clear Error Messages Promptly
Prepaid meters display error codes or experience sudden lockouts. When errors happen, your electricity at home is often cut off until issues are resolved. If you're not sure about an error code on your meter, take note of it. Contact your electricity provider immediately to help you interpret the code and restore electricity. Either your supplier will give a reset code or an unlock code.
2. Enter Valid Tokens Carefully
After recoding your meter, enter the digits carefully into the keypad whenever you top up. Avoid rushing to type tokens, especially if you see your credits running low. Always enter tokens purchased from legitimate prepaid electricity online portals or authorized vendors to ensure your token is valid and not rejected. This is helpful to avoid error issues or sudden tampering.
3. Keep Your Token Receipts
Once you have recoded your meter, save a copy of your Key Change Tokens. Keep your new tokens as well whenever you top up for future use. Storing your receipts can help you when resolving meter issues or verifying your account with your supplier.
4. Consider a Backup Power Solution
If you're learning how to recode a prepaid meter online, it means you lost electricity from the grid. The thing is, you will need power to contact your supplier via phone and to keep your meter active for testing. In this case, consider having a backup power source such as a portable power station. This is helpful if power cuts are common in your area or if you experience errors and lockouts.
Portable power stations, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station, with an expandable capacity of up to 25kWh, can be charged using portable solar panels. This means when you don't have electricity, you don't have to worry about charging the power station because it can be recharged using only sunlight. If you need to contact your supplier, you can charge your phone first while also powering your home.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
5. Practice Saving Electricity
Avoid overloading your prepaid meter by using too many appliances at the same time. Using them, especially at peak hours, may lead to a sudden power cut on the grid or in your home only if your meter malfunctions. Saving electricity also makes your tokens last longer, so you don't have to keep rushing for top-ups.
Conclusion
If you missed the recoding deadline for the STS rollover, there is still hope as long as you understand how to recode a prepaid meter online. Prepaid meter users who recoded on time received their Key Change Tokens attached to their purchased electricity before the deadline. If you missed the deadline, contact your electricity provider through their hotline or official website. If you encounter errors while loading your token, you can troubleshoot them on your own with the right approach. Once you have recoded, practice habits that can help your prepaid meter work smoothly to avoid future meter issues or lockouts.
FAQs
How do I recode my prepaid electricity meter?
To recode your prepaid electricity meter, you typically need to enter a specific "recode token" provided by your electricity supplier. This token may be given after system updates or maintenance. You can enter the token using the keypad on the meter. If you're unsure, contact your utility provider or visit their official website for instructions. It's important to follow the supplier's guidelines and timelines to ensure your meter continues to accept top-up tokens.
How to get prepaid meter activation code online?
To get your prepaid meter activation code online, visit your electricity supplier's official website or customer portal. Some suppliers offer activation codes via their online platforms after you complete required steps, such as registering your meter or updating your account details. Alternatively, you can contact their customer support through email, chat, or phone. Ensure you have your meter number and account details handy when requesting the activation code.
Where do I get a recode token?
A recode token for your prepaid meter can be obtained from your electricity supplier. This token is typically provided after system upgrades or if the meter requires reprogramming. You can get the token through customer support, either by calling the utility company or visiting their website. In some cases, suppliers provide the recode token via email, SMS, or their customer service channels. Always ensure you follow the provided instructions for successful recoding.