Eskom has issued a critical warning to prepaid electricity customers in Merafong, urging them to update their meters before Sunday, November 24, 2024. Failure to complete this essential recoding process by the deadline will result in an inability to load electricity tokens, causing potential disruptions to service. The recoding is part of a nationwide update mandated by the Standard Transfer Specification Association (STSA) to ensure the smooth operation of prepaid meters. Residents, who are supplied with bulk electricity by Eskom, must make sure that their meters are updated to Key Revision Number (KRN) 2 to continue recharging their electricity.

Leigh-Ann Carey, Senior Consultant at Meropa, clarified that Eskom does not directly supply many of the prepaid customers in the Merafong City Local Municipality. “Eskom provides bulk electricity to the municipality, which in turn supplies prepaid customers directly. We are, however, urging all Fochville residents to ensure that their meters are updated to KRN2 in order to continue receiving uninterrupted service,” she stated. While Eskom is responsible for the bulk supply in Fochville, the municipality itself manages prepaid customer accounts directly. As of now, Eskom has pre-coded about 97% of prepaid meters in affected areas. However, with only days remaining until the deadline, Eskom is urging residents to take swift action.

To check whether a meter needs recoding, customers should enter the meter number 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on their keypad. If the display shows “1,” the meter needs recoding. If it shows “2,” the meter has already been updated.

Recoding Process Made Simple
The process of recoding is simple and can be done independently. Customers must obtain two sets of 20-digit recoding tokens from authorized prepaid electricity vendors. These vendors can be found in retail stores, service stations, and various online platforms, including banks and mobile services.
Once the tokens are acquired, customers need to enter the first 20 digits, wait for confirmation, then input the second set of 20 digits and wait again. Finally, they should enter the 20-digit code for their purchased electricity token to recharge the meter.

Senior Consultant, Leigh-Ann Carey, assured residents that the process was straightforward: “We want to make sure that our customers can complete this process easily and without any issues. If any problems arise, there are several support channels available.”

Support Available for Residents
Eskom has set up multiple support mechanisms to assist those who may encounter difficulties. Customers can reach out to Alfred, Eskom’s Chatbot, via the Eskom website, or contact the dedicated support line at 0860 037 566 for help.

No Impact on Prepaid Balances
It is important for customers to know that the recoding process will not affect any existing credit on their prepaid meters. “Any credit already loaded onto the meter will remain intact,” confirmed Carey.

Public Awareness Campaign Underway
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition, Eskom has launched an extensive awareness campaign. The utility is using a combination of social media, community radio announcements, and public engagement sessions to keep residents informed. “We’re committed to helping all our customers understand the importance of this process and the urgency of completing it by the deadline,” Carey stated.

Act Now to Avoid Disruption
With just days left before the November 24 deadline, Eskom is urging all residents to act promptly. Those who fail to recode their meters will not be able to load electricity tokens, leading to a loss of service. Eskom thanks those who have already completed the recoding process and encourages those who have not yet updated their meters to do so without delay.

For further information and updates, residents can visit Eskom’s website, social media platforms, or tune into local radio stations for the latest news on the recoding process.

“We want to ensure uninterrupted service for all our customers, and with everyone’s cooperation, we can make this transition as smooth as possible,” concluded Carey.

How to Check if Your Prepaid Meter Has Been Updated to KRN2

To ensure your prepaid meter is updated to Key Revision Number (KRN2) before the November 24, 2024 deadline, follow these simple steps:

Enter the following code:
1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter’s keypad.

Check the display:
The meter screen will show either the number “1” or “2.”If you see “1”, your meter still requires an update. If you see “2”, your meter has already been updated to KRN2.

Alternative Codes for Specific Meter Brands:
If the primary code doesn’t work, try the following unique codes for your meter’s make:

L&G (E4560): 057
L&G (PLC2): 057
Conlog: #005#
Voltex: 005
Nyamaleza: Press the red button and hold until display dots appear, then type 005.Track Your Meter Update Progress:

You can also monitor the status of your meter update on a special dashboard created by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Make sure to check your meter and update it before the deadline to avoid any service disruptions.