Prepaid Meter Lockouts – As the national prepaid electricity meter Token Identifier (TID) rollover deadline draws closer, millions of South African households are at risk of being locked out from purchasing electricity if they fail to upgrade to the new token system by September 1. The TID rollover issue affects all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) compliant prepaid electricity meters, and failure to update them before the deadline will result in tokens being rejected. The TID system has a built-in expiry date of November 24, 2024. However, to prevent system overloads and consumer confusion, most municipalities and Eskom have decided to enforce the change earlier, starting September 1, 2025. From that date, old tokens will no longer work on un-upgraded meters, effectively locking users out of electricity access. The solution is simple but urgent: migrate to the new token system through a process known as TID rollover key change tokens. These tokens reset your meter to accept the new code structure and allow continued electricity purchases. But with the clock ticking, it’s critical to act fast. Let’s break down everything you need to know – from understanding what the token system is, to step-by-step migration instructions, and what to expect after September 1 if you don’t comply.
What Is the TID Rollover and Why Is It Important?
This section explains the technical background in simple terms and why it matters to every prepaid electricity user.
- All prepaid meters work on tokens that are based on a timestamp system called TID.
- The current system will expire on November 24, 2024, as it cannot generate tokens beyond this date.
- To continue working, your meter needs a TID reset – also known as a key change.
- Without this reset, the meter will reject all tokens – even if you have credit.
- Eskom and municipalities are beginning the upgrade earlier to avoid mass confusion.
Who Is Affected by the Prepaid Meter Lockout?
Millions of households across South Africa are impacted. Here are the key groups:
- All Eskom prepaid meter customers
- Municipal prepaid meter customers (STS compliant)
- Commercial users relying on prepaid systems
- Rural and township areas with legacy meters
- Tenants who manage own prepaid top-ups
Provinces with Highest Prepaid Meter Usage
| Province | Estimated Meters | Affected Municipalities | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 3.2 million | Johannesburg, Tshwane | High |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 2.6 million | Durban, Msunduzi | High |
| Eastern Cape | 2.1 million | Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela | Medium |
| Western Cape | 2.0 million | Cape Town | Medium |
| Limpopo | 1.9 million | Polokwane, Thulamela | High |
| Mpumalanga | 1.4 million | Mbombela, Govan Mbeki | Medium |
| North West | 1.2 million | Mahikeng, Rustenburg | Medium |
| Free State | 1.0 million | Mangaung | Medium |
How to Migrate to the New Token System Before September 1
The migration process is free and can be done from the comfort of your home using special token codes.
- Check with your municipality or Eskom if your meter is eligible.
- You will receive two sets of key change tokens: KCT1 and KCT2.
- Load them in sequence into your prepaid meter.
- Once successful, you can continue loading new tokens as usual.
Step-by-Step Migration for Eskom Customers
Eskom customers can follow this process to upgrade:
- Visit https://www.eskom.co.za/tidrollover
- Enter your meter number to generate your KCT1 and KCT2 tokens.
- On your keypad, enter KCT1 code and press “Enter”.
- Wait for success beep.
- Enter KCT2 code and press “Enter”.
- Confirm upgrade success on the display.
Step-by-Step Migration for Municipal Customers
Each municipality may use a different approach, but most will follow a similar flow:
- Log in to your municipal electricity portal or visit the nearest office.
- Input your meter number and generate the two upgrade tokens.
- Follow the loading instructions provided.
- Use customer support if you face errors or delays.
What Happens If You Miss the September 1 Deadline?
Failure to migrate in time can have serious consequences for households and businesses.
- You will not be able to load any electricity tokens after the lockout.
- Power outages will occur even if you have money in your account.
- Recovery will require manual technician visits in some areas.
- Delays in reconnection may last days or weeks due to high demand.
Potential Risks for Late Upgraders
| Issue | Impact | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Token Rejection | Immediate loss of top-up ability | 1–7 days |
| Meter Error or Lockout | Needs technician reset | 5–14 days |
| Billing Discrepancies | Manual correction required | 3–10 days |
| Disconnection Due to Error | No electricity access | Varies |
How to Check If Your Meter Has Been Migrated Successfully
Even after migration, many users are unsure whether it was successful. Here’s how to verify:
- Look for a code like “Key Accepted” or “TID OK” on your meter display.
- Try loading a new electricity token. If accepted, you’re upgraded.
- If you get an error, contact your service provider immediately.
- Some meters may flash a green light after key change success.
What to Do If You Get an Error While Loading Tokens
Errors are common if the tokens are entered out of order or if the meter has a fault.
- Double-check you entered the correct token codes (KCT1 before KCT2).
- If your meter shows “Token Rejected”, it might already be upgraded.
- Wait 10 minutes and retry.
- Contact your municipality or Eskom for support if the issue persists.
Can I Migrate My Meter Without Internet or Smartphone Access?
Yes, offline methods are available for customers without internet.
- Visit your nearest electricity vendor or municipal office.
- Provide your meter number.
- Request a printed slip with the two key change tokens.
- Follow the same token entry procedure on your keypad.
Departments You Can Contact for Support
If you need help with your prepaid meter migration, contact these departments:
| Department/Entity | Contact Number | Website/Email |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom TID Support | 08600 37566 | tidrollover@eskom.co.za |
| City of Cape Town | 0860 103 089 | power@capetown.gov.za |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 13 13 111 | electricity@durban.gov.za |
| City Power Johannesburg | 011 490 7484 | customercare@citypower.co.za |
| Tshwane Prepaid Support | 012 358 9999 | eservices@tshwane.gov.za |
| Nelson Mandela Bay Metro | 0800 20 5050 | tidsupport@nmbm.co.za |
| Buffalo City Metro | 043 705 9300 | prepaid@buffalocity.gov.za |
With just weeks left before the nationwide lockout begins, it’s vital to act now. Upgrading your prepaid meter is simple, free, and necessary to avoid electricity disruptions after September 1. Whether you’re in a city or a rural area, ensure your meter is ready — or risk being left in the dark.
FAQs of Prepaid Meter Lockouts
Q1. What if I already loaded old tokens before upgrading?
A1. Those tokens will still work, but no new tokens will be accepted until the meter is upgraded.
Q2. Can I upgrade multiple meters in the same household?
A2. Yes, each meter will receive its own unique set of key change tokens.
Q3. Do I need to pay anything to migrate to the new system?
A3. No, the migration is 100% free of charge.
Q4. What happens if my meter doesn’t accept the key change tokens?
A4. Contact your electricity provider immediately for assistance or a technician visit.
Q5. Can tenants upgrade the meter if they are not the homeowner?
A5. Yes, as long as they manage the electricity account or have access to the meter.