RECODE YOUR METER OR PAY UP TO R12,000 SAYS ESKOM

Eskom is urging all prepaid electricity customers to update their meters by 24 November 2024 to avoid disconnection and hefty replacement costs.

As part of its nationwide recoding initiative, Eskom will no longer support tokens on outdated Key Revision Number 1 (KRN1) meters after the deadline.

Customers who fail to update their meters will risk losing power entirely once their credit runs out. If a meter becomes inoperable due to not being updated, customers may face a replacement fee of up to R12,000.

This critical update impacts 6.9 million pre-paid meters across South Africa including in KAE areas (Kaalfontein, Allandale, Ebony Park and Ivory Park).

Eskom notes that many customers who have not purchased electricity in recent months could be using unauthorized tokens from criminal syndicates (buy 1 get 1 free). Such customers are urged to buy legitimate tokens from approved vendors before 24 November 2024 and proceed with the recoding.

Why is the Recoding Important?

Recoding ensures that all customers have continuous and seamless electricity access after the deadline. Meters that are not updated will no longer recognize KRN1 tokens after the cutoff date, meaning users will no longer be able to recharge their electricity. Once a customer’s existing credit is exhausted, the meter will become non-functional unless the recoding is done.

The process is quick and accessible to all Eskom customers. To verify if your meter needs recoding, enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on the keypad. If the meter displays 1 or 1.2, it requires recoding. If it shows 2 or 2.2, then it is already updated.

*Meter showing that it has been recoded.*

Eskom’s Support Initiatives for Recoding

To make the process as smooth as possible, Eskom has rolled out several support mechanisms. These include:

• Community support teams offering in-person assistance to guide customers through the recoding steps.

• Weekend assistance for customers unable to update during the week.

• Alfred Chatbot (https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/) on Eskom’s website, available for digital guidance on recoding.

Additionally, Eskom has been running an awareness campaign since August 2023, using multiple media platforms to inform the public.

Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, emphasized the importance of recoding to prevent meters from becoming inoperable and incurring unnecessary costs.

Steps to Recode

1. Check your meter status: Enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter.

• If the result is 1 or 1.2, you must proceed with recoding.

• If it shows 2 or 2.2, your meter is already updated.

2. Purchase tokens from authorized vendors: Ensure you are buying tokens from approved vendors to avoid potential issues related to unauthorized tokens.

3. Follow Eskom’s guidance: Visit Eskom’s platforms or use their chatbot for step-by-step instructions.

Eskom’s Appeal to Customers

Eskom expressed appreciation to those who have already completed the recoding. For those who haven’t, the utility warns of potential power loss and costly replacements, urging immediate action to avoid disruption. Eskom continues to stress that recoding is essential for uninterrupted electricity services and a secure, authorized supply chain.