The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered all people who use prepaid meters to do a required update by November 24, 2024, so their meters continue to work.
The news was made public on Twitter by NERC on August 22. It said that if people didn’t follow the rules, their prepaid metres might not be able to be refilled after the deadline. The commission says that users should get in touch with their DisCo to find out more about the update.
The statement says, “Prepaid meters may need updating. From November 2024 on, meter recharges may be unavailable. Updates are simple and free. Two free key change tokens (KCTs) will update your meter from DisCos. The update won’t change your meter’s units or speed it up. For details, contact your distro.”
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Why do you have to keep your prepaid meter up-to-date?
One of the main reasons for the update is that the prepaid units have changed. Conlog, one of the licensed meter asset providers, says that each credit token, an essential tool for recharging prepaid meters, has a unique token identifier (TID) coded into its 20 numbers. This TID is based on a starting date of 1993 and will end in November 2024.
So, if you don’t change the meter’s base date correctly, the meter will become useless.
The simple answer to this problem is to reset each meter to point to a new base date. To do this, you must enter two special codes before November 24, 2024. The NERC says that this change will not affect the current units within the meter or change how fast they work. They said that the only reason for this update is to make sure that prepaid meters continue to work.
How to change the prepaid meter
The update process is hassle-free. Since the update is free, NERC promises a smooth transition to the new system. Each user will receive two free Key Change Tokens (KCTs) from distribution companies (DisCos) to facilitate the update.
Energy token buyers receive an essential change token with their standard tokens. Once their DisCos or agents provide this essential change token to start the update, the following energy purchase will be regular.
BuyPower suggests these simple prepaid meter updating methods.
Key change tokens are available at DisCo offices.
Electricity/energy token purchase: This gives you 3 tokens. The critical change tokens are the first two, and your purchased electricity token is the third.
Enter key-change tokens: Enter KCT1 and KCT2 on your meter, then your electricity token.
Your meter upgrade is complete.
This 20-digit numerical code works like an electrical recharge token but has a distinct purpose. The recharge token credits your metre, while the critical change token adjusts it to match tariff plans, key revision numbers, or supply groups. After applying the essential change token, the meter will accept electricity recharge tokens again.
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User convenience in Ikeja and Kano Disco
Kano Disco and Ikeja Electric, prepaid meter consumers, can quickly get their key change tokens online. Simple and accessible, the process has been simplified. NERC-compliant meters can be maintained by following a few simple steps.
For Kano DisCo users:
- Enter https://www.kedco.ng/contact.htmto access KEDCO’s customer service portal.
- Choose ‘key change token’ as your concern.
- Enter your name, meter number, email, phone, and service address.
- Send your request by clicking ‘Send Issue’.
- Check your email for the two 20-digit key change tokens later.
- Send it as ‘Key Change 1’ and ‘Key Change 2’.
- Put key change tokens in order. First, set the input key to 1, then press enter. Change the key to 2 and press ‘enter’ after ‘Success’.
For Ikeja DisCo users:
- Tariff migration token: https://ie-payments.com/apps/
- Include your meter number in the request.
- Click ‘Submit’
- Two 20-digit key change tokens will be generated for your metre.
- Enter the critical change tokens on your meter, and you’re done.