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NERC Directives: Things to Know About the Prepaid Meter Upgrade

The free Prepaid Meter update, according to the Power Regulatory Commission, won’t have an impact on consumers’ existing prepaid units.

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Prepaid Meter

Prepaid meter users are required to upgrade the software on their meters by November 2024, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

News About Nigeria gathered that the information was released by NERC on Tuesday via its X handle, which was originally Twitter.

The free upgrade won’t have an impact on users’ existing prepaid units, the power regulatory commission stated.

“If you have a prepaid meter, it may be time for an update. From November 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter. However, updating is easy and free. DisCos shall commence issuance of two free Key Change Tokens (KCTs) which will update your meter,” a statement by NERC read.

“The update will not affect the units in your meter nor will it make your meter run faster than usual. Contact your DisCo for more information,” it added.

The free update, according to the Power Regulatory Commission, won’t have an impact on consumers’ existing prepaid units.

In addition, it suggested that users get in touch with their distribution companies to learn more about the upgrade.

What You Should Know About the Prepaid Meter Upgrade

The current software of all the prepaid electricity meters in the world including Nigeria will expire on 24 November 2024, in what is called a TID Rollover.

However Ikeja Electric has directed all customers with STS prepaid meters to upgrade their meters before the 1st of November 2023, warning that the meter would not be able to load energy tokens when the distribution company kicks off its TID rollover process.

The distribution company has however asked all STS meter users to provide NIN details prior to the upgrade.

Note: Your prepaid meter is STS if 20-digit token numbers are generated whenever you buy electricity.