Eskom has sounded the alarm, urging 2.1 million inactive prepaid electricity customers to update their meters to the new Key Revision Number (KRN) 2 system by Sunday, 24 November 2024.
Story Summary
- Eskom urges 2.1 million inactive prepaid customers to update their meters before 24 November 2024 to avoid disconnection.
- The KRN 2 update is a DIY process requiring two 20-digit codes obtained with electricity token purchases.
- Failure to comply will render meters inoperable, with potential replacement costs of R12,000 per unit.
Eskom reveals at least 2.1 million households haven’t bought electricity in six months
These customers, who haven’t purchased electricity in six to 12 months, risk losing functionality of their meters after the deadline, potentially requiring costly replacements.
Eskom Distribution Group Executive Mteto Nyati stated that these inactive customers represent a significant portion of the utility’s 7.5 million prepaid meter users.
“If they fail to update their meters, their electricity supply will be disrupted,” warned Nyati.
The KRN 2 system is an advanced encryption protocol designed to safeguard Eskom’s infrastructure from tampering and fraud.
The upgrade ensures that meters can continue processing tokens securely.
Without this update, users will no longer be able to load tokens, rendering their meters obsolete.
Eskom has expressed concern over how these inactive users have managed without purchasing tokens, given their prolonged inactivity.
The utility has initiated widespread campaigns to reach these households, urging them to act before the deadline.
KRN 2 deadline: Here’s what you must know
Eskom confirmed that the deadline for recoding prepaid meters to the KRN 2 system is non-negotiable.
After Sunday, 24 November 2024, any meter that hasn’t been updated will cease to function, and reconnection may involve replacing the meter at an estimated cost of R12,000 per unit.
The utility reports that 97% of meters have already been prepared for the update, making it a simple DIY process for most customers.
Steps to update your prepaid meter:
- Purchase an electricity token: Visit an authorised vendor or Eskom’s online platform to buy a token.
- Receive recoding codes: Two 20-digit codes will be issued with the token purchase.
- Enter the first code: Input the first code into your meter. Wait for confirmation of acceptance.
- Enter the second code: Repeat the process with the second code.
- Meter updated: Once both codes are successfully entered, your meter is updated to KRN 2 and ready for future tokens.
- Seek help if needed: Call Eskom’s customer service at 0860 037 566 or visit their website if issues arise.
