The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) plc has announced an upcoming upgrade for its Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters to enhance efficiency and align with global standards.
The upgrade, known as Token Identification (TID) Rollover, aims to ensure the continued seamless operation of prepaid meters while maintaining customer satisfaction.
In a statement signed by its Managing Director, Engr. Kingsley Achife on Tuesday, IBEDC said the upgrade is scheduled to take effect from August 1.
Achife said the upgrade will involve the integration of a global software update into STS meters, making them compatible with the new TID Rollover protocol.
“This upgrade is imperative as, starting from November 24, 2024, all STS meters worldwide will cease to accept old credit tokens without the necessary meter upgrade. To facilitate a smooth transition, IBEDC will provide its prepaid meter customers with Key Change Tokens (KCT) alongside their regular energy tokens when purchasing electricity,” Engr. Achife said.
He further explained that the KCT serves as a special ‘reset’ token and is crucial for the successful completion of the meter upgrade process.
“Importantly, obtaining the KCT is free of charge and customers can upgrade their meters without any impact on the current electricity tariff,” he added.
The statement further advised that “Customers must upgrade their prepaid meters by sequentially entering the two KCT tokens (KCT1 and KCT2) and then the energy token as provided by IBEDC.
“Effective August 1, old credit tokens will become obsolete. Customers must ensure that any unused or previously purchased energy tokens are loaded into their meters before this date.
“The meter upgrade process will not affect the credit unit balance on the meter. Customers can rest assured that their balance will remain intact after the upgrade.
“The meter upgrade is a one-time process. Subsequent energy token purchases will continue as usual after the upgrade has been completed.”
The company added that it is committed to supporting its customers throughout the transition. “Field officers will be available to assist customers and monitor compliance. If a meter fails to load energy tokens following the KCT upgrade, customers are advised to promptly contact our customer care, email us or send messages to our WhatsApp number,” it said.
-Tribune
