prepaid meter is updated


All prepaid electricity customers are urged to check if their prepaid meters are updated and ready for the TID rollover on 24 November.

After this deadline, meters will no longer accept electricity tokens unless they are updated to Key Revision Number (KRN) 2. Eskom said that there will be no extension to the 24 November 2024 deadline for the Token Identifier (TID) update.

How to check if your prepaid meter has been upgraded:

 Here’s a detailed guide to help you check if your prepaid meter has been recoded or upgraded to KRN2:

What Is KRN?

  • KRN (Key Revision Number) is a code that determines the type of encryption keys used by your prepaid electricity meter.
  • KRN1: The older encryption key standard.
  • KRN2: The updated standard, implemented as part of the STS (Standard Transfer Specification) Token Identifier (TID) Rollover to prevent token expiration issues after 2024.

Why Check Your Meter's KRN?

  • KRN1 meters will not accept tokens after the TID Rollover deadline (November 2024) unless upgraded to KRN2.
  • If your meter isn’t upgraded, you may face interruptions in electricity service.

How to Check Your Meter’s KRN Status:

  1. Locate Your Prepaid Meter:

    • Go to the physical location of your prepaid meter.

  2. Enter the Special Code:

    • Use the meter's keypad to type the following code:
      1844 6744 0738 4377 2416

  3. Observe the Meter Screen:

    • After entering the code, the screen will display:
      • 1: Indicates the meter is still on KRN1.
      • 2: Indicates the meter has been upgraded to KRN2.
    • In some cases, additional alphanumeric characters might accompany the KRN number. These characters are for internal reference and can be ignored unless specified otherwise by your utility provider.

Next Steps Depending on the Result:

If the Screen Shows "1":

  • Your meter is still using the old KRN1 standard.
  • Contact your utility provider immediately to request an upgrade to KRN2.
  • Without this upgrade, you may be unable to load tokens after the TID Rollover deadline.

If the Screen Shows "2":

  • Your meter has been successfully upgraded to KRN2.
  • No further action is needed unless you encounter token-loading issues.

Common Issues During the Process:

  • The code does not work:

    • Ensure you’ve entered the digits correctly.
    • Check if your meter model supports this code; older or specialized meters might require a different approach.
    • Contact your utility provider for assistance.

  • Screen shows an error message:

    • This could indicate a technical fault with the meter. Report it to your service provider for inspection.

Additional Tips:

  • Token Compatibility: After the KRN2 upgrade, use only the updated token sequences issued by your provider.
  • User Manual: Refer to your meter’s user guide for specific instructions related to your model.
  • Ask for Confirmation: If you're unsure about the upgrade status, request a technician's inspection.

Contact Your Utility Provider:

If you’re unsure about any part of the process or if your meter hasn’t been upgraded yet, reach out to your electricity provider for guidance. They can verify the status remotely or schedule an upgrade if necessary.