Eskom customers urged to check pre-paid meter update status

With only a few days remaining until the 24 November 2024 deadline, Eskom is calling on all prepaid electricity customers to urgently update their meters to avoid unexpected power outages.

Meters operating on KRN1 (Key Revision Number 1) will no longer accept electricity tokens after Sunday, 24 November 2024.

This means that once your current credit runs out, your electricity will be disconnected, and the meter will become unusable, requiring a replacement at a potential cost of up to R12,000, which customers will have to cover.

Act Now to Avoid Losing Power

Eskom highlights that customers with KRN1 meters may not have purchased electricity for over six months or could be using unauthorised tokens purchased from illegal sources.

To prevent power loss and costly replacements, Eskom urges all customers to buy electricity tokens from authorised vendors before 24 November 2024.

This purchase will generate two 20-digit codes needed to recode and update your meter.

“Our public awareness campaigns, which began in August 2023, aim to ensure that every customer is informed and supported through this process. We urge anyone who hasn’t updated their meter to act immediately. Assistance is readily available.
– Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution.

Support for a Seamless Transition

To assist customers, Eskom has implemented various support initiatives, including:

Community Support Teams: Available during weekends to guide customers through the process.
Self-Service Tools: Access Eskom’s Alfred Chatbot at https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/ for help.
Comprehensive Awareness Campaigns: Information is provided in all official languages via social media, newsletters, radio, and TV broadcasts.

Why It’s Crucial to Update Your Meter

Updating your meter guarantees uninterrupted access to electricity tokens after 24 November 2024. Once your meter is updated, you can continue purchasing tokens from authorised vendors without any issues.

If your meter remains on KRN1 past the deadline, it will no longer accept tokens, and once your current credit is depleted, power will be disconnected. Meter replacement will then be necessary, costing up to R12,000.

How to Check and Update Your Meter

To check your status:

Enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter keypad.
If the display shows 1 or 1.2, it requires updating.
If it shows 2 or 2.2, it is already updated, and no further action is needed.

To update:

Enter the first 20-digit recode token.
Enter the second 20-digit recode token.
Enter the 20-digit token from your most recent electricity purchase to recharge your meter.

ALSO READ: City customers not impacted by deadline for electricity meter software update