Kenya Power recently notified its subscribers of the intention to upgrade the prepaid token meter purchase system. Prepaid token meter users were asked to purchase tokens before the upgrade. The process completed last week requires all prepaid token meters to be upgraded with new software.
In an ambitious nationwide campaign dubbed, “Update Token Meter Yako”, Kenya Power requires all token meters to be updated before an August 31st, 2024 deadline, after which the meters won’t accept any new prepaid tokens.
The updates target 7.4 million prepaid meters. They are part of a global overhaul targeting prepaid meters using the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) protocol to authenticate and transfer prepaid electricity tokens. The STS system is being revised to enhance security by preventing the potential replication of tokens.
Any meters not updated by the deadline will no longer accept tokens. Speaking during the campaign launch, Kenya Power Managing Director Dr. Joseph Siror, said that the company has implemented measures to ensure a hassle-free update.
The update process requires the customer to key in two 20-digit codes sent via SMS by Kenya Power. The first code resets the meter, while the second code upgrades the software to the latest STS-compliant version. Of note, is that customers must ensure that previously purchased tokens are exhausted before commencing the process. All unused tokens will be invalidated after the update process.
Kenya Power has indicated that a dedicated customer support team has been set up for the process, to handle queries and provide guidance throughout the exercise. The company has made provisions to send the reset and update codes directly to customers who haven’t purchased new tokens lately. Kenya Power is still working on a streamlined process on how to update your prepaid meter tokens.
How to update your prepaid token meter;
• You will either receive the update code on SMS when you buy new tokens;
• Or, Kenya Power will send an SMS to you
• When you receive the codes;
• Enter code 1 in to your token meter and press enter, to reset;
• Enter code 2 in to your prepaid token meter and press enter, to update;
• The process is complete and your prepaid meter can now accept new tokens.
Below are important FAQs and steps to update your Kenya Power prepaid token meter:
- How will I know if the update is successful? – If the update is successful, your meter will accept new electricity tokens without issue.
- What will happen to my previously purchased tokens? – Make sure that all old tokens have been loaded onto your prepaid meter before updating. If you update before loading old tokens, they will be invalid and can’t be used.
- How much does it cost to update my token meter? – The process of updating your meter is free.
- Will the Update Token Meter Yako affect the cost of electricity tokens? – No. The Update Token Meter Yako will only update the software of your meter.
- What happens if I don’t update my meter? – If the meter isn’t updated, it will not accept tokens.
- When is the deadline for Update Token Meter Yako? – The deadline is August 31st, 2024.
- What happens after the deadline for Update Token Meter Yako – Meters will not accept tokens generated.
