Authored by: Captain SA

In a significant update to South Africa’s prepaid electricity system, Eskom is rolling out a nationwide recoding of prepaid meters to ensure the continued functionality of the system. This update, which is set to take effect by 24 November 2024, is necessary due to the Key Revision Number (KRN) rollover, a process that impacts all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters. For millions of South Africans who rely on prepaid electricity, this change is essential, as failure to recode the meters will result in the inability to load purchased electricity tokens after the deadline.

What Is the Key Revision Number (KRN) Rollout?

The Key Revision Number (KRN) is a unique identifier embedded in prepaid electricity tokens, and it has a limited range. If not updated, these tokens will not be accepted by meters after the rollover date of 24 November 2024. This means all meters must undergo a recoding process to remain functional. Essentially, the old tokens, which use a 24-bit identifier, will become obsolete, and meters that haven’t been recoded will reject new tokens.

Why Is This Important?

This change is critical to ensure that prepaid meters continue to accept electricity tokens without disruption. Similar to upgrading a smartphone’s software to maintain its performance, this recoding ensures that the meters will operate smoothly for years to come. Without this update, consumers will be unable to load any electricity tokens purchased after 24 November, leaving them without power. This is particularly problematic for households that depend on prepaid meters for managing their electricity consumption.

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How Does the Recode Work?

The recoding of prepaid meters is a straightforward process that can be done without requiring any physical intervention from Eskom staff. Customers will receive two 20-digit key change tokens when they purchase a new electricity token. These tokens, which will automatically be dispensed at the point of sale, are necessary to update the meter’s internal system. It is important to load the pre-purchased tokens before the recoding is done.

Once the meter is successfully updated, it will be able to accept new tokens, but old tokens with the outdated KRN will no longer work. Eskom advises that this is a DIY process, and there is no need for contractors to visit homes. Any third-party asking for a fee to recode the meter should be reported immediately, as this is a free service provided by Eskom.

Timeline and Coverage

Eskom has already completed a pilot project in Riverside View, Gauteng, where 5,000 meters were successfully recoded as part of the KRN2 initiative. The rollout is now set to begin in earnest across the rest of the country, and it is expected that all prepaid meters will be updated before 24 November. It’s important to note that Eskom’s updates are not just for their own customers, but also for municipal prepaid meter users throughout South Africa. #SouthAfricaEnergy #KeyRevisionNumber

Given the scale of the update, Eskom has launched an extensive communication campaign to ensure that all customers are aware of the need for recoding. Information is being shared through various channels, including regional radio, print media, social media platforms, and community forums. Eskom is also encouraging customers to verify the status of their meters and to complete the recoding process in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Meter?

The most significant consequence of failing to update your prepaid meter by the deadline is that the meter will no longer accept electricity tokens. This means that after 24 November 2024, if your meter is not recoded, you will be unable to purchase and load electricity, leaving you without power. This is particularly problematic for households that depend on prepaid meters for managing their electricity consumption.

It’s important to understand that the recoding of your meter is a preventative measure to avoid such disruptions. Just like any technology, prepaid meters require regular updates to ensure they function properly. Eskom has emphasized that meters will not be changed; only the internal system, which accepts electricity tokens, will be updated.

PowerDisruption #EnergyManagement

How Can You Prepare for the Recoding?

To avoid issues, here are a few simple steps that you can take to prepare for the recoding of your prepaid meter:

1. Check Your Meter’s Status: Make sure your meter is eligible for recoding and that it is registered for the KRN rollover.
2. Purchase Electricity Tokens: Continue buying your prepaid electricity tokens as usual, and ensure that you receive the necessary KRN update tokens when making your purchases.
3. Verify Token Compatibility: Before the deadline, ensure that all tokens bought are loaded onto the meter, as old tokens will not work after the recoding.
4. Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for Eskom’s communication about the recoding process, and follow the guidelines provided by Eskom.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: Never allow any unauthorized person to access your meter. Eskom will not send contractors to update your meter, so be cautious of scammers.

EskomRecoding #MeterUpdate #StayInformed

Eskom’s Commitment to Customer Education

Eskom has made it clear that the recoding process is essential for the continued functionality of prepaid meters across South Africa. Through various communication channels, including social media platforms, regional radio stations, and community forums, Eskom is working hard to ensure that customers are well-informed about the update.

For those unsure about the process or if they need assistance, Eskom offers customer support through various means, including the Alfred chatbot, which can help with KRN-related inquiries. Additionally, customers can contact Eskom’s ShareCall number at 08600 37566 for any concerns or questions about the recoding process. You can also reach Eskom via their WhatsApp support at +27 87 351 5111 or send an SMS to 082 214 2135 for help.

Conclusion

The KRN rollover is a vital step in ensuring that South Africa’s prepaid electricity meters remain functional for years to come. By 24 November 2024, all meters must be recoded to accept new electricity tokens. If you haven’t done so already, it’s essential to take action now to ensure that your meter is ready for the update.

Failure to recode your meter could result in a loss of power and disruption to your daily life, so make sure to stay informed and follow Eskom’s guidelines to avoid any inconvenience. This is a free service provided by Eskom, and customers should never pay for it. By ensuring your meter is recoded in time, you’ll avoid potential disruptions and continue to enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply.

EskomMeterUpdate #ElectricityTokens #PowerOn