Prepaid Meter – As South Africa gears up for a crucial prepaid electricity meter software update, millions of households must act before the nationwide rollout in September 2025. The update is not just a routine technical upgrade — it is essential for maintaining your power supply. Without completing the update and recharging in time, consumers risk being disconnected, leaving homes without electricity and families in darkness. The update stems from a global software standard change in the Token Identifier (TID) system, which affects all prepaid meters. By November 24, 2024, all meters must be updated, but the push has begun earlier in South Africa to prevent last-minute complications. Eskom and municipal electricity distributors are urging residents to comply before September, as post-deadline tokens may no longer be accepted by outdated meters. Consumers need to understand the risks, the process, and their responsibilities. Many are unaware that their prepaid meters could stop accepting tokens, and not all areas will receive the update automatically. The power utility and municipalities are currently sending out Key Change Tokens (KCTs), which must be entered into the meter before purchasing or loading new electricity units. Failure to enter these codes will result in power being inaccessible even if a token is purchased. This article outlines who is affected, what steps to take, how to check if your meter is updated, and what you can do now to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Also included are regional tables, contact details, and answers to the most common questions consumers are asking about this critical upgrade.
What Is the Prepaid Meter Update and Why Is It Happening?
This software update is linked to the international Token Identifier (TID) rollover, a global system used to generate prepaid electricity tokens.
- Prepaid meters use 20-digit tokens to load power.
- Each token contains a time-based code, which expires after a certain period.
- On November 24, 2024, all unupdated meters will stop accepting new tokens.
- South Africa’s national rollout begins in September 2025 to give consumers a head start.
- If you fail to update, you’ll lose access to electricity regardless of having valid tokens.
- Eskom and municipalities will send Key Change Tokens to perform the update.
- Once entered, your meter will be reset and future tokens will work normally.
Affected Areas and Utilities: Who Needs to Update?
This rollout affects all prepaid electricity users — whether you’re under Eskom or your local municipality.
Here’s a list of major areas where prepaid meter updates are active or upcoming:
| Province | Municipality / Utility | Rollout Start Date | Last Date to Update | Meter Count (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Eskom | 1 Sep 2025 | 10 Nov 2025 | 3.2 million |
| Western Cape | City of Cape Town | 10 Sep 2025 | 15 Nov 2025 | 1.1 million |
| KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini Municipality | 5 Sep 2025 | 18 Nov 2025 | 750,000 |
| Eastern Cape | Nelson Mandela Bay Metro | 8 Sep 2025 | 20 Nov 2025 | 600,000 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane Municipality | 12 Sep 2025 | 22 Nov 2025 | 350,000 |
| Free State | Mangaung Municipality | 14 Sep 2025 | 24 Nov 2025 | 420,000 |
| North West | Rustenburg Municipality | 16 Sep 2025 | 20 Nov 2025 | 290,000 |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela Municipality | 18 Sep 2025 | 22 Nov 2025 | 310,000 |
How to Check If Your Meter Needs the Update
Before panicking, it’s important to know whether your prepaid meter has already been updated. Here’s how to check:
- Look at your last few token receipts. If you received a “Key Change Token,” it’s likely you’re already updated.
- Call your electricity provider’s customer service with your meter number.
- Visit the provider’s website and use the prepaid meter checker tools (where available).
- Ask a technician during your next meter inspection or service visit.
Common Signs That Your Meter Needs Updating
- Your tokens suddenly stop working despite being recently bought.
- You receive two 20-digit tokens labeled as “Key Change Token.”
- Your power cuts off unexpectedly after a recharge.
- Error messages such as “Token Rejected” or “Old Token” appear on your meter screen.
Step-by-Step: How to Update Your Prepaid Meter Safely
Updating your meter is simple but must be done correctly. Follow these steps in exact order:
- Buy your electricity as usual.
- If you receive two extra codes labeled “KCT1” and “KCT2,” do not ignore them.
- Enter KCT1 first into your meter using the keypad.
- Wait for confirmation (usually a beep or light).
- Enter KCT2 next and wait again for confirmation.
- Finally, enter your standard 20-digit recharge token.
- If successful, your meter is now updated and future tokens will work normally.
Troubleshooting Tips for Meter Update
- Error on KCT entry: Ensure you’re entering the correct code. Try again.
- No response from meter: Power may be disconnected. Check fuse or contact support.
- Tokens still not accepted: Contact your provider; your meter might be defective or skipped during rollout.
What Happens If You Miss the September 2025 Update Deadline?
If you don’t update your prepaid meter before the September rollout ends:
- You won’t be able to load electricity, even if you buy tokens.
- Emergency tokens or free basic electricity will also be blocked.
- Reconnection may require a manual visit from a technician (which may take weeks).
- You may be charged for reactivation, depending on your municipality.
Post-Deadline Recovery Process
| Step | Action Required | Estimated Timeframe | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contact electricity provider | 1-3 days | Free (some cases) |
| 2 | Technician scheduled to visit | 3-10 working days | R0 – R450 |
| 3 | On-site meter reset | Same day (after visit) | Included in visit |
| 4 | Purchase new token | Immediately after reset | Standard cost |
| 5 | Enter token + reissued KCT | Within same day | Free |
Departmental Contact Details for Prepaid Meter Queries
If you’re unsure whether your meter is affected or you need help with updating, use the official contact points below:
| Provider / Municipality | Contact Number | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom National | 08600 37566 | customerservices@eskom.co.za | www.eskom.co.za |
| City of Cape Town | 0860 103 089 | power@capetown.gov.za | www.capetown.gov.za |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 1313 111 | customercare@durban.gov.za | www.durban.gov.za |
| Nelson Mandela Bay Metro | 0800 20 50 50 | info@nmbm.co.za | www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za |
| Polokwane Municipality | 015 290 2000 | info@polokwane.gov.za | www.polokwane.gov.za |
Failure to update your prepaid meter in time could lead to severe inconvenience and weeks of blackout in your household. Be proactive, check your tokens, follow the official steps, and reach out to your electricity provider before September 2025. This is a crucial window — don’t miss it.
FAQs: Prepaid Meter Update in South Africa
1. What if I don’t get the Key Change Tokens?
Contact your provider. They can reissue them or manually update your meter.
2. Will I lose my existing units if I update?
No. Your units stay intact after entering the Key Change Tokens.
3. Can I update online or via app?
No. The update happens on the meter itself, using your keypad.
4. Do smart prepaid meters need updating too?
Yes, but many smart meters will be updated remotely. Check with your provider.
5. Is this update a scam or real?
This is a legitimate nationwide update tied to the global TID rollover.