In a move that will affect millions of Kenyan households, Kenya Power has announced a critical update for all prepaid token meter users.
A total of 7.4 million prepaid meters are targeted for the update by the end of August.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, why they are happening, and how to ensure your home stays powered up without interruption.
Also Read: How to Retrieve Lost Kplc Tokens After Delay of Message
What is the Step-by-Step Process to Update Your Kenya Power Prepaid Token Meter with *977#
How exactly do you update your meter? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Dial *977#
- Choose Option 1 (Prepaid Services Token)
- Choose Option 4 (Update Meter Yako)
- Input Your Meter Number and press OK
- Receive Your Codes – Kenya Power will provide you with two crucial codes – a reset code and an update code.
- Enter the Reset Code – This is a 20-digit number that you should enter into your prepaid meter.
- Enter the Update Code – This is also a 20-digit number that you should enter into your prepaid meter.
- The order is important – Always enter the reset code first, followed by the update code.
- Verification: Once entered correctly, your meter will confirm the update. From this point on, it will accept new electricity tokens without any issues.
Note:
If you haven’t been scheduled for meter update, you’ll have to wait until you receive an SMS allowing you to proceed. To know this, you’ll receive a notification as shown below:
Business as Usual: The good news? This update won’t affect your current electricity tariff. You’ll continue to enjoy the same rates you’ve been paying.
Important Note: If you encounter any issues during the update process, your meter may not accept new tokens. In this case, it’s crucial to contact Kenya Power support immediately.
Kenya Power Customer Care Contacts
Hotline Number: 97771 or 0703070707 or 0732170170
Website: Kenya Power
Dial: *977#
Deadline for Updating the Kenya Power Prepaid Token Meter
Mark your calendars: August 31, 2024, is the day by which all prepaid Kenya Power customers must update their token meters.
The update exercise officially kicked off on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. This gives you a generous window to complete the process without rushing.
Kenya Power’s Managing Director, Joseph Siror, has made it clear that after this date, outdated meters will no longer accept newly purchased tokens. He said,
“Because of this, we have put in place elaborate measures to ensure that all our customers are fully empowered and assisted in updating their meters to continue enjoying our services.”
How to Check If I am Scheduled for Prepaid Meter Update
Kenya Power has implemented a strategic, gradual rollout for the meter update process to ensure a smooth transition for all customers. Rather than attempting to update all meters simultaneously, the company has wisely divided the task into manageable batches.
This methodical approach works as follows: When a specific meter is scheduled for an upgrade, the customer is promptly notified via text message. This notification serves as an alert that their meter is now ready for the update. Subsequently, the next time the customer purchases an electricity token, they will receive the necessary update codes along with their regular token.
Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power, explained the reasoning behind this strategy:
“The phased approach has ensured that the prepaid system is not overloaded with customer requests for the update codes. This has minimized challenges such as system delays and made it easier to purchase tokens and access the update codes.”
Why is Kenya Power Updating the Prepaid Token Meters?
You might be wondering, “Why fix something that isn’t broken?” The truth is, the current system is reaching the end of its lifespan. Kenya Power is transitioning to a new, more efficient system that promises better service, secure transactions, and increased reliability.
The “Update Token Meter Yako” campaign is part of a global initiative targeting all prepaid meters using the Standard Transfer Specification (STS).
STS is a universal protocol ensuring secure token generation and transfer to prepaid meters worldwide. The update of Kenya Power prepaid token meters is aimed at modernizing the country’s electrical infrastructure.
How much Does Updating Kenya Power Cost?
The exercise is free of charge. Kenya Power is providing this service free of charge to all prepaid customers.
However, SMS rates apply for your respective networks when you dial *977#. For instance, Safaricom will charge about 1 KSH.
Kenya Power’s Long-Term Vision
This update is part of a larger strategy by Kenya Power to modernize and improve its services. The company is gradually phasing out postpaid meters in favor of prepaid and smart meters. But why?
- Reducing Power Theft: Prepaid meters make it much harder for individuals to illegally access electricity, helping to curb losses for the company.
- Cost-Effective Operations: By eliminating the need for manual meter reading, Kenya Power can significantly reduce its operational expenses.
- Rural Electrification: In the long run, Kenya Power aims to transition all rural consumers to smart meters, bringing more reliable and efficient power to these areas.
- Financial Stability: These changes come in the wake of Kenya Power reporting a KSh 3.2 billion net loss for the year ending June 2023. The company attributes this to the weakening Kenyan shilling and high power purchase costs. By streamlining operations and reducing losses, they hope to return to profitability and provide better service to all Kenyans.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Now that you’re armed with all the necessary information about updating your Kenya Power prepaid meter, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for communications from Kenya Power regarding your specific update codes.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule a time to update your prepaid meter well before the August 31 deadline.
- Use Existing Tokens: Make sure to use up any stored tokens before initiating the update process.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you encounter any issues or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kenya Power’s customer service.
- Spread the Word: Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors to ensure everyone in your community is prepared.
That’s it. Follow the process above and your meter will be updated and ready to go!
