eThekwini completes electricity meter rollover
eThekwini completes electricity meter rollover! As the Sunday, November 24, deadline for prepaid electricity meter updates approaches, municipalities, and utility companies are racing to ensure compliance with the Token Identifier (TID) Rollover.
This critical update will prevent millions of meters across South Africa from becoming inoperable.
The eThekwini Municipality has reported significant progress in rolling out the update, while Eskom continues to urge customers nationwide to act promptly to avoid costly repercussions.
eThekwini completes electricity meter rollover
eThekwini Municipality Leads the Way
The eThekwini Municipality announced it has successfully completed the TID Rollover for all active prepaid electricity meters within its jurisdiction.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana stated that during the process, non-active meters requiring attention were identified, prompting the municipality to launch a meter sweep to ensure full compliance.
“As part of these corrective measures, any faulty meters will be replaced with a meter already programmed with the new Token Identifier (TID). The City assures customers that no service disruptions are anticipated after the deadline,” said Sisilana.
Eskom’s Urgent Call to Action
Eskom has reiterated the urgency for all customers using older Key Revision Number 1 (KRN1) meters to complete the update by November 24.
According to Eskom, any meters not updated by this date will no longer accept electricity tokens. This means customers will lose power once their current credit runs out.
Eskom’s group executive for distribution, Monde Bala, warned that replacing an inoperable meter could cost up to R12,000—a financial burden customers will need to bear themselves.
“It is critical that all customers, including those who have not purchased electricity in the last six months or more, buy electricity tokens from authorized vendors by November 24. This will provide them with the two sets of 20-digit codes needed to recode and update their meters,” said Bala.
Why the TID Rollover Is Important
The TID Rollover is a global technical requirement to reset the Token Identifier system used in prepaid electricity meters. This update ensures that meters can continue to accept electricity tokens and function beyond the November 24 cutoff.
Meters still operating under the outdated KRN1 system may have been inactive for over six months or could be using unauthorized tokens purchased through illicit means. The rollover seeks to address these issues while ensuring the long-term operability of the national electricity system.
Checking and Recoding Your Meter
To ensure your meter is ready for the TID Rollover, follow these steps:
How to Verify Your Meter’s Status
- Enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter keypad.
- If the meter displays 1 or 1.2, it still needs to be recoded.
- If the meter displays 2 or 2.2, it has already been updated, and no further action is required.
How to Recode Your Meter
- Enter the first 20 digits of your recode token.
- Enter the second 20 digits of your recode token.
- Enter the 20-digit token from your latest electricity purchase to recharge your meter.
These steps will ensure your meter is updated and ready to continue operating seamlessly.
Soweto: A Flashpoint for Delays
Despite extensive campaigns over the past year, Soweto residents remain among the most affected by delays in meter updates.
In Diepkloof, tensions flared on Thursday as residents formed long queues outside Eskom customer care centers. Many complained of insufficient communication about the update deadline, with some only learning about it in the past week.
Thabo Thabane, a frustrated resident, shared his experience: “Three days, no help. We keep on getting there, they tell you, ‘We are cutting off, come tomorrow.’ Tomorrow you come back and you start at the back there again.”
Government Response
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa addressed angry residents in Soweto, promising to fast-track the update process.
“Extended hours, increased capacity, getting more people to help with the queues—I’m confident about the ability to address the situation,” said Ramokgopa.
The government has urged residents to act quickly to avoid losing power, especially in high-demand areas like Soweto, where illegal connections have also posed significant challenges.
Act Now to Avoid Disruption
With the November 24 deadline fast approaching, residents and businesses using prepaid electricity meters must ensure their meters are updated. Failure to comply could result in power outages, inoperable meters, and costly replacements.
For assistance, contact your local municipality or Eskom customer care center immediately.
