Eskom has reported steady progress in implementing new electricity vending codes for prepaid meters, though some provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, have been slower in adopting the necessary changes. The power utility is urging prepaid electricity users to update their meters before the deadline on November 24, 2024, when the current vending codes will expire.
After the deadline, prepaid meters will no longer accept electricity tokens unless they are updated to Key Revision Number 2. Eskom has stressed that no extensions will be granted beyond this date for the Token Identifier update.
Approximately 6.9 million prepaid meters in Eskom-supplied areas are affected by this recoding process. Eskom says 97% of these meters have already been prepared through precoding, making it easier for customers to complete the update themselves.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena explained the process, stating, "When a customer buys a credit token, the receipt will now include two additional 20-digit codes. These codes need to be entered into the meter to complete the upgrade. Once the meter is updated, customers can continue to upload their electricity tokens as usual."
Eskom also revealed that almost half of the 300,000 outstanding meters have been precoded, with the remaining meters expected to be completed by the end of the week. The utility said that many initial challenges have been addressed through its pilot project and that teams are on the ground to assist, supported by a 24-hour contact center.
Mokwena also emphasized the importance of purchasing tokens from authorized vendors. "We remind customers, particularly in areas with a high number of pending updates, to buy tokens only from legal vendors. Unauthorized vendors may not provide the necessary two-digit codes for the meter upgrade," she added.
As the November 24 deadline approaches, Eskom has intensified its awareness campaign, encouraging all prepaid customers who have not yet recoded their meters to act quickly and avoid potential service disruptions.