Two days left: Ensure your prepaid meter is updated

With the deadline to update prepaid electricity meters fast approaching, many are rushing to comply, as failure to update in time could result in loss of electricity access. Eskom has urged all prepaid electricity users to update their meters by no later than 24 November 2024.

By 20:24 on 24 November, all prepaid electricity meters must be upgraded to Key Revision Number 2 (KRN 2). After this time, tokens will not work on unupgraded meters, potentially leaving households without electricity.

What will happen if I do not update my meter?

It is important to note that Eskom has made it clear that they will not grant any extensions. After the deadline, unupgraded meters will no longer accept electricity tokens.

Customers who buy online via banking apps can continue to do so. After recharging or purchasing tokens, they will receive two 20-digit codes, which they need to upload to their meter to update it.

Why is Eskom not extending the deadline?

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has confirmed that the November 24 deadline for recoding prepaid electricity meters remains firm. He stated that technical constraints make an extension impossible.

Meters not upgraded by 24 November, will have to be physically removed by Eskom, which will carry a significant cost apart from not being able to load electricity.

“It’s not extendable, it’s a technical issue, we can’t extend it. So it’s a hard stop. The 24th, if you have not recoded, then you are sitting with a different problem.”
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Electricity and Energy Minister

How do I know if my electricity meter is updated?

To check if your meter has been upgraded, follow these steps based on the first two digits of your electricity meter number and its brand:

• Landis & Gyr (Prefix 07): Enter i057, then press Enter. If not updated, it will display ‘1’. If updated, it will display ‘2’.
• Landis & Gyr PLC (Prefix 07): Enter i057, then press Enter. If not updated, it will display ‘1 2’, and if it is updated, it will display ‘2 2’.
• Conlog RF (Prefix 04): Enter #005#, then press Enter. If not updated, it will display ‘1’. If updated, it will display ‘2’.
• Hexing PLC (Prefix 14): Enter 873, then press Enter. If not updated, it will display ‘1’, and if updated, it will display ‘2’.
• Itron PLC (Prefix 016): Enter 005, then press Enter. If not updated, it will display ‘1 2’. If updated, it will display ‘2 2’.
• Sanxing PLC (Prefix 45): Enter 005, then press Enter. If the meter is not updated, it will display ‘1 2’. If it is updated, it will display ‘2 2’.

For more information and answers to questions, click here.