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How to Recharge Prepaid Meter | Full Guide
Understanding how to recharge prepaid meter enables you to maintain your electricity running continuously. If you find yourself wondering how to recharge prepaid meter, it is really simple.
You just require a recharge token and your meter number. Once you have obtained the token, you insert it into the prepaid meter to update your electricity units. It takes less than a minute.
Additionally, you can find out how to recharge prepaid meter with token if you possess a printed bill or SMS from your electricity supplier.
We will show you how to refill prepaid meter without token too, so you never go dark. Whether you’re a prepaid meter beginner or just need a quick refresher, this guide is for you. Let’s get started!
What Is a Prepaid Meter and How Does It Work?
A prepaid electricity meter is an electronic device which you pay for electricity in advance. It works like a mobile phone airtime service. You load a certain amount of money (in token terms), and as you use electricity, the units decrease until they are exhausted.
If they are depleted, electricity supply is cut automatically until you reload. The system is designed to encourage better energy management and eradicate issues like overdue bills or estimated billing.
Prepaid meters differ, but reloading them is generally the same. Let us walk through the possibilities.
Read Also – How to Upgrade Prepaid Meter in Nigeria 2025
Types of Prepaid Meters
Knowing the type of meter you are on will enable you to know how to reload.
1. Standard Keypad Meters
They are the most common meters in Nigeria. You load them by inputting a 20-digit token manually from a keypad on the device.
2. Smart Prepaid Meters
Smart meters are typically internet-capable. Once you pay online, the token is transmitted directly to your meter remotely — you do not have to input anything manually. This is how to recharge prepaid meter without token.
Things You Need Before Recharging
Before you top up, especially for the very first time, you need some basic details:
- Meter number (usually on the meter itself)
- Your customer number or account number (given by your electricity provider)
- Phone number or email address (for when getting your token if buying online)
- If recharging online, you might also need a debit card or mobile banking application.
Also Read – How to Buy Kenya Power Tokens and Pay Your Postpaid Bill Using Safaricom
How to Recharge Prepaid Meter
Now, let’s move on to the main objective of this article, which is, how to recharge a prepaid meter.
Recharging your prepaid meter will need you to have your meter number as I’ve mentioned earlier and a rechargeable token. Here is how you do it:
How to Recharge Prepaid Meter Online
Online recharge is now becoming very popular. It’s faster, safer, and more convenient. You can buy electricity at any time, anywhere, with your smartphone.
Here’s how to top up prepaid meter online in Nigeria:
Option 1: Use Your Bank Mobile App
Most banks in Nigeria allow you to top up electricity on their mobile apps.
1. Open your bank app (Opay, GTBank, Access, Zenith, etc.)
2. Go to “Bills Payment” or “Electricity”
3. Select your electricity company (e.g., Ikeja Electric, EEDC, AEDC)
4. Enter your meter number
5. Select prepaid
6. Enter the amount you want to top up
7. Confirm and pay
8. Receive your token code via SMS or email
9. Insert the token into your meter
Option 2: Online Recharge Platforms
Some of the trusted platforms for online meter recharge include:
- BuyPower.ng
- Vtpass.com
- Quickteller
- iRecharge.ng
- PHED, IKEDC, EEDC official websites
Steps:
1. Open the website or app
2. Choose electricity as service
3. Input your meter number
4. Choose your electricity company location
5. Select service provider
6. Input amount
7. Choose meter type (Prepaid)
7. Pay using your card or wallet
8. Receive token instantly
Then, as usual, enter the 20-digit token from your meter.
Read Also – NERC Issues MTN and Others Permits To Generate Electricity
How to Recharge Prepaid Meter with Token (Using Vendor or Bank)
Let’s start with the most used method — with a physical token. That’s how most Nigerians do it.
Step 1: Go to a Recharge Vendor or Bank
Visit any electricity token sales point. It may be a business center, bank, POS agent, or electricity company office. ATMs and electricity meter-supporting bank apps can also be used.
Step 2: Provide Your Meter Number
Tell the seller your meter number and how much credit you want to buy. You can buy any from ₦500 upwards, depending on your Disco’s minimum.
Step 3: Retrieve Your Token
After payment, you’ll receive a 20-digit token code printed on a receipt or sent to your phone.
Step 4: Input the Token into Your Meter
Go to your prepaid meter. Use the keypad to type the 20-digit token. Press the “Enter” or “OK” button. If the token is valid, your meter will display something like “Accepted” or the number of units loaded. That’s it!
How to Recharge Prepaid Meter Without Token
Certain people are confused when they hear of recharging without the need for a token. What does it mean?
Actually, this means your recharge goes straight into the meter without the need to enter any code. This is done in some smart meters or accounts that are linked directly to your meter by your Disco.
Option 1: Smart Meters (Automatic Recharge)
Some of the new meters, like Ikeja Electric Smart Meters, automatically bill for electricity units after payment. You pay online, and your meter adjusts by itself — no token needed.
How to use this:
Make sure your meter is activated and linked
Use Ikeja Electric Smart platform or app
Pay via your meter/account number
The meter adjusts automatically
If you are not sure your meter can use this, reach out to your electricity company.
Option 2: Disco Direct Integration
Some Discos allow us to register our meter to enable recharge without a glitch. But once registered, all payments go directly into your meter, especially if it’s connected via the backend system. No token code, please, anymore.
Also Read – Egypt is set to Expand Electricity Export to Asia
What Do You Do If You Have Recharge Issues?
In the event you encounter issues during a prepaid meter recharge, this is what you can do to resolve them fast:
1. Double-Check the Token Code
Make sure that you have entered the 20-digit token code correctly. A single wrong digit will cause rejection. If you were accessing it through an online portal, also verify through your email or SMS to make sure the exact token you received.
2. Verify Your Meter Number
If your token isn’t working, you might have filled up the incorrect meter number. Always double-check the meter number before you buy a token — check it on the meter or type in 65 + Enter on most meters.
3. Wait a Few Minutes
At times, there could be delays in the system by your electricity company (Disco) or net payment systems. In case your recharge has not updated after payment, hold on for 10–30 minutes, preferably peak hours.
4. Restart the Meter
Turn off the power to your main meter, hold on for a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Then, attempt to input the token again. This simple reset might repair unresponsive meters.
5. Use Alternate Input
Try entering the token code slowly, digit by digit, and then hitting “Enter” or “OK.” If the keypad is not functioning or is unresponsive, do not force it and seek technical assistance.
6. Call Customer Support
If the token is not working after several attempts:
- Call your electricity company’s customer care number.
- Provide your meter number, the token code, and the payment receipt.
They can validate the transaction and reissue the token if necessary.
7. Visit a Disco Office or Recharge Retailer
If the issue persists, visit the local electricity distribution company (Disco) office or recharge retailer. Carry:
- Your meter number
- Token code
- Evidence of payment
- Valid identification (if requested)
8. Buy Not More Than One Token
Do not buy another token immediately when one does not work. Some meters do not take back-to-back tokens. If the previous token is still outstanding, another would not work until cleared.
In brief: Stay calm, do not keep returning the token over and over, check all details, and report the issue in advance. You can solve most problems through the correct procedures and with the help of your Disco.
Also Read – Manufacturers to Adapt to Tariff Increase with Better Power Supply
How to Check Your Prepaid Meter Balance
Once reloaded, you might want to find out how many units you still have. Use these steps:
Method 1: Press 07 on the Meter
This is the most widely used command. Just head to your prepaid meter and key in 07, followed by pressing the “Enter” or “OK” button. Available units will be displayed on the screen.
Method 2: Meter App (If Applicable)
Some Discos and meter types have a mobile app or web portal where you can monitor usage.
How to Monitor Your Prepaid Meter
Here are some advice that you may use to maximize the use from your prepaid meter and minimize too many recharges.
- Monitor your meter from time to time so that you will be aware of the volume of electricity that you are using. By doing so, you can alter your power consumption behavior to save costs.
- Do not allow the balance drop to rock bottom; put credit into your meter from time to time. This way, you will never have power blackouts and you will experience power continuity.
- Try using as many of your low-electricity-using appliances and bulbs. This way, your meter credit will last longer, saving you much-needed energy and money.
- Have your meter checked and serviced from time to time. A serviced meter performs optimally and does not stand a chance of causing you trouble whenever you recharge.
By following these instructions, you will be in a position to properly maintain your prepaid meter and enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply while being efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recharge my meter anywhere?
Yes, you can recharge anywhere as long as you’re online.
What if I attempt to recharge and it fails?
Check your internet once more and make sure your payment option is proper.
How long will the recharge show on my meter?
Recharge tokens are generally immediate. It takes a few minutes in some instances. Make sure you enter a valid meter number.
Conclusion
Recharging your prepaid meter doesn’t have to be stressful. If you prefer using a token, browsing the internet, or trying token-less recharges, you now know exactly how to recharge prepaid meter with ease and securely. You also know how to check your balance and fix faults.
So the next time your electricity is out because the units expired, do not worry. Just grab your meter number, use one of the above methods, and resume enjoying your electricity.
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References
- www.pulse.ng – How to recharge prepaid meter and take control of your electricity bill
- www.legit.ng – How to recharge prepaid electricity meter and load token online: a detailed guide
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