PREPAID METER MODIFICATION ANNOUNCED BY IBEDC TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Tunji Wusu –

In order to improve efficiency and comply with international standards, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC plc) has announced an upcoming upgrade for its Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters.

The Token Identification (TID) Rollover improvement seeks to retain customer satisfaction while ensuring the continuing smooth operation of prepaid meters.

The upgrade is expected to go into effect on August 1st, according to a statement released by IBEDC on Tuesday and signed by its managing director, Engr. Kingsley Achife.

In order to make STS meters compatible with the new TID Rollover protocol, Achife said the change would need integrating a global software update into STS meters.

“This upgrade is essential because, without the required meter upgrade, all STS meters globally will stop accepting old credit tokens as of November 24, 2024. Key Change Tokens (KCT) will be given to IBEDC’s prepaid meter customers in addition to their usual energy tokens to help ensure a smooth transition, according to Engr. Achife.

He went on to say that the KCT is essential for the proper completion of the meter update procedure since it functions as a special “reset” token.

In addition, users can upgrade their meters without any effect on the current power bill, which is important because getting the KCT is free of charge.

Customers must upgrade their prepaid meters by successively entering the two KCT tokens (KCT1 and KC), according to the announcement.

T2), followed by the IBEDC-provided energy token.

Old credit tokens will stop working as of August 1. Customers are responsible for loading any unused or previously acquired energy tokens into their meters before this deadline.

“The meter upgrade procedure won’t have an impact on the meter’s credit unit balance. Customers may relax knowing that following the upgrade, their balance will not change.

“The upgrading of the meter is a one-time procedure. After the upgrade is finished, future energy token purchases will proceed as usual.

The business also stated that it will support its clients during the transition. “Field officers will be on hand to help clients and keep an eye on compliance. Customers are recommended to immediately call our customer service, email us, or send messages to our WhatsApp number if a meter stops loading energy tokens after the KCT upgrade, it stated.