How to Upgrade Prepaid Meter in Nigeria 2024

In Nigeria, different regions are serviced by specific electricity distribution companies (DisCos). The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed that all prepaid meters be upgraded. Learning how to upgrade your prepaid meter in Nigeria looks simpler than it sounds. 

Prepaid meters have transformed how Nigerians manage their electricity consumption. They allow customers to monitor usage, pay as needed, and avoid unnecessary billing surprises.

However, with advancements in technology and changes in Nigeria’s power system, you may need to upgrade your prepaid meter to stay in sync with new regulations or for better functionality.

If you’re wondering how to upgrade your prepaid meter, this article will guide you in simple steps. We will show you how to upgrade the prepaid meter for IEDC, IBEDC, EEDC, EKEDC, PHED, AEDC, and JEDC.

Why Upgrade Your Prepaid Meter?

There are several reasons you may need to upgrade your prepaid meter upgrade.

On August 22, 2023, the Nigerian Electric Regulatory Commission (NERC) made an announcement asking people to upgrade their prepaid meters. This process is known as the TID Rollover. NERC also instructed all Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to help customers with this upgrade.

As part of this, DisCos are required to give users two free Key Change Tokens (KCTs), which are important for updating the meters.

Here are some common situations that require an upgrade:

• Outdated Meter: Some older meters lack modern features, such as seamless connectivity with the latest electricity distribution systems.
• Inaccurate Readings: If your meter no longer accurately records your consumption, you may face billing issues.
• Error Codes: Receiving frequent error codes such as “E-codes” may indicate a meter malfunction.
• New Electricity Regulations: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) occasionally updates regulations, and your meter may need to comply with these changes.

Upgrading your prepaid meter is essential to ensure you enjoy uninterrupted power and accurate billing.

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How To Upgrade your Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IEDC) Prepaid Meter

From November 1, 2023, Ikeja Electric Distribution Company started giving out Key Change Tokens (KCTs) as part of the prepaid meter upgrade. Here’s some important info to make the process smooth.

If you don’t link your prepaid meter to your National Identification Number (NIN), you won’t be able to buy electricity. So, it’s really important to finish the NIN validation on Ikeja Electric’s website to get your KCTs.

Here’s how to upgrade your Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IEDC) prepaid meter in Nigeria:

Step 1: NIN Validation

• Go to the SmartKYC NIN Validation Portal.
• Click on the “Link your NIN and Meter” button.
• Enter your phone number, NIN, and email address.
• Double-check your NIN details and proceed if everything is correct.
• Type in your meter number and the verification code sent to your email, then hit “Submit.”

Note: You can only link one NIN to a meter, except if you’re a landlord with multiple meters. In that case, you can use your NIN more than once.

Alternatively, you can visit Ikeja Electric’s KCT Check page to get your KCTs for the meter upgrade.

Step 2: STS Prepaid Meter Upgrade Process

To upgrade your meter, follow these steps:

• Get a Key Change Token (KCT) to load onto your meter.
• Starting on November 1st, 2023, when you buy electricity, you’ll receive three sets of 20-digit tokens.
• Enter the first set of 20-digit tokens (KCT 1) to erase the old meter settings.
• Enter the second set of 20-digit tokens (KCT 2) to upgrade your meter to the new STS platform.
• The last set of 20-digit tokens will load the energy you just purchased to recharge your prepaid meter.

This process only needs to be done once. After a successful upgrade, you won’t have to repeat it.

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How To Upgrade your Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Prepaid Meter

• Before upgrading, you need to update your information using this link: https://validatecustomer.eedc.online/. This step is important to ensure the process goes smoothly.
• During the TID rollover, the vending platform will be offline for around 48 hours. So, make sure your meter has enough units to last through this period.
• After the upgrade, your first energy purchase will come with three codes:
• KCT1: This resets your meter. Enter it first, then press “enter.”
• KCT2: This upgrades your meter. Enter it second and press “enter.”
• The last code recharges your meter with the energy you bought. Enter this one last.
• Make sure to load any existing tokens onto your meter before the upgrade, as they won’t work after the process is done.

The good news? The upgrade is totally free, so don’t pay anyone for it!

How to Upgrade Your Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Prepaid Meter

As a valued IBEDC customer, do you need a KCT to upgrade your prepaid meter? If so, just follow these simple steps:

• Go to https://tidrollover.ibedc.com/kctupgrade/
• Enter your meter number in the space provided and click “Get KCT.”
• Input KCT 1 into your meter.
• Input KCT 2 into your meter.

And that’s it! You’re all set for your upgrade.

However, note that your credit unit balance on the meter will remain the same and will not be affected after the meter upgrade (i.e. loading of the KCT).

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How To Upgrade your Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Prepaid Meter

Upgrading your EKEDC prepaid meter is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

• Contact EKEDC: Reach out to EKEDC through their customer care line, visit their office, or check their website. You can also use the EKEDC mobile app for faster communication.
• Submit Your Information: Provide your account details, current meter number, and proof of ownership (like your rent agreement or property documents). This will help them process your request.
• Schedule an Inspection: EKEDC may need to inspect your current meter to see if an upgrade is necessary. They’ll arrange a date for their technicians to visit.
• Receive Approval: Once EKEDC confirms you qualify for an upgrade, they’ll send you a notification. This will include the installation date and if any fees apply (sometimes upgrades are free).
• Meter Installation: On the scheduled date, EKEDC technicians will replace or upgrade your prepaid meter. They’ll also ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Activate Your New Meter: Once the new meter is installed, follow the activation instructions (usually by entering a code or loading credit).

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How To Upgrade your Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Prepaid Meter

If you’ve got a prepaid electricity meter and it’s older than 2014, including those from AEDC, you need to update it. Without this update, your meter won’t accept new energy tokens. The update process, called TID Rollover, ensures your meter keeps working smoothly.

Updating your meter will let it load energy tokens and continue functioning properly. It also boosts security, keeps your service running smoothly, and meets international standards.

If you’re using AEDC for your electricity, here’s how to upgrade your prepaid meter:

• Load any unused tokens onto your meter before you enter the KCTs. The meter won’t accept these tokens after the update.
• Buy electricity units and get the KCTs with your receipt.
• Enter KCT 1 into your meter and press “Enter.” Then, enter KCT 2 and press “Enter” again.
• Load your new credit tokens.

And that’s it—your meter is all set and updated!

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How To Upgrade your Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Prepaid Meter

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has asked PHED to update all prepaid meters using a TID Rollover Key Change Token by November 2024.

This means if your meter isn’t updated with the TID rollover key change token by that deadline, you won’t be able to buy electricity. Make sure to get this done before the cut-off to avoid any disruptions!

Upgrading your PHED prepaid meter is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

• Contact PHED: Reach out to PHED by calling their customer care line, visiting their office, or checking their website. You can also use their mobile app for easy access.
• Submit Your Info: Provide your meter number, account details, and proof of property ownership (like your rent agreement or title documents). This helps them verify your eligibility for an upgrade.
• Schedule an Inspection: PHED will likely schedule an inspection to check if your meter needs an upgrade. They’ll send a technician to inspect your current meter.
• Get Approved: Once your inspection is complete, PHED will approve the upgrade and notify you of the installation date. They’ll also inform you if any fees are required.
• Upgrade Your Meter: PHED technicians will visit your location to install the upgraded meter and ensure it’s working properly.
• Activate the New Meter: After installation, activate the new meter by following the instructions, which usually involve loading credit or entering a code.

How to Upgrade Your Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED PLC) Prepaid Meter

Upgrading your JEDC prepaid meter is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

• Reach Out to JEDC: Contact JEDC customer care through their phone line, office, or website. You can also use their mobile app for updates.
• Submit Your Details: Provide your meter number, account information, and proof of property ownership (like your rent documents or title). JEDC will need these to process your request.
• Book an Inspection: JEDC may schedule an inspection to check your current meter and confirm the need for an upgrade.
• Approval and Notification: Once approved, JEDC will notify you about the installation date and any costs involved, though upgrades can sometimes be free.
• Meter Upgrade: JEDC technicians will come to your place to install the new meter and test it to ensure everything is working fine.
• Activate the Meter: After installation, you’ll activate the new meter by entering a code or loading credit as instructed.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Upgrading your prepaid meter in Nigeria is an essential step for maintaining uninterrupted and accurate electricity services. With this guide, you now know how to upgrade your prepaid meter in Nigeria and can enjoy improved features and reliability.

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References

• Smartsolutions.com – Ikeja Electric Meter Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Majorwavesenergyreport.com – EEDC Prepaid Meter Upgrade: What You Need to Know (With More Details)

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