Joburg residents have been warned by City Power that they will have to upgrade their meters before November 24 to be able to load units on their prepaid meters.
The deadline for the Token Identifier (TID) upgrade is nearing, and as a result, several questions are emerging.
The utility has now tried to clarify this issue.
The main issue residents are asking is how they can check or verify if their prepaid meters have been converted from KRN 1 to KRN 2.
“There's only a handful of customers who are outstanding and we urge them to use the Do-It-Yourself method which allows customers to re-code their meters by simply purchasing electricity units,” City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said.
“If a customer’s meter has not yet been converted when they purchase electricity units, they will receive three sets of 20-digit codes, with the last one being the unit token code. If all three sets of tokens are accepted, the meter has been successfully upgraded. The meter will display a smiley face to confirm the upgrade.”
The utility said that it has managed to convert 99% of all vending prepaid meters across its Service Delivery Centres (SDCs) supply areas in Johannesburg.
For residents whose meters have not yet been converted or are unsure about the status of their prepaid meters, the utility has provided some methods to see if yours conform:
- Receipt Verification: After purchasing electricity units, check your receipt. If your prepaid meter has been converted, it will indicate "KRN 2" underneath the token units.
- Contact City Power’s Call Centre: The toll free number is 0800 202 925.
- Visit the utility’s Customer Service Centres: Staff will assist you in verifying your meter status.
Why is this so important?
Mangena noted that the conversion from KRN1 to KRN2 is crucial for several reasons, including making sure that customers move away from old conventional meters to smart or semi-smart meters.
“These upgrades, which are similar to software upgrades that cellphones use, offer advanced features. The KRN 2 meters come equipped with features that facilitate better monitoring and management of electricity usage,” he added.
Mangena advised that if a customer attempts to tamper with the meter, City Power will receive a signal and immediate action will be taken against that individual.
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