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Prepaid meter upgrades

Prepaid meter upgrades you need to be informed about before the big change

By – Derrick Masilela, Product Marketer

It’s clear that upgrading from STS-1 to STS-2 is crucial for ensuring the continued functionality of prepaid meters, especially given the TID rollover issue and the fact that STS-1-compliant meters will stop accepting credit tokens after November 2024.

To ensure smooth implementation, you can read the following breakdown of the process based on what we know at this stage:

1. **Upgrade Deadline: ** Ensure all STS-1-compliant meters and prepaid meter software are upgraded to STS-2 before 24 November 2024.

2. **Token Identifier (TID) Rollover: The TID, which has been counting minutes since January 1, 1993, is critical for token validation.

As the 24-bit TID value will eventually roll over, it’s essential to upgrade to STS-2 to handle this rollover and avoid potential issues with token acceptance.

How will this affect our MidCity Utilities clients?

We have you covered!  We will handle the transition on our side.  Further information will follow in due course.

What do you need to do as our client?

Should you have unused tokens like a Unipin voucher, you will need to load it as soon as possible. After the rollover, previously issued tokens will not be accepted by the meter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Token ID (TID)?

  • A Token ID (TID) is a unique code used to identify each token generated for prepaid meters.
  • It prevents the reuse of the same token.

Why is there a Token ID (TID) Rollover?

  • TIDs have a lifespan of approximately 31 years. The current TID system, linked to a 1993 base date, will reach its end of life on 24 November 2024.
  • To ensure continued functionality, a reset and key change are required. STS Edition 2, linked to a 2014 base date, will be in effect post-rollover, extending the TID lifespan until 2045.

Who is affected by the Token ID (TID) Rollover?

  • The rollover affects all users, vending service providers, and manufacturers using STS Edition 1 software.
  • Coordination and updates are necessary across the supply chain.
  • Users specifically need to participate in the key change process using special Key Change Tokens (KCTs).

How and when will I receive the TID Rollover Key Change Tokens?

  • Vending systems must first be updated and tested.
  • Once this is completed, service providers will guide users through the key change process.

MidCity Utilities has taken care of this for you!

What happens if I do not use the TID Rollover Key Change Tokens?

  • Without entering the key change tokens, any new credit tokens purchased will not work in your meter.

MidCity Utilities will ensure that all meters are switched from STS 1 to STS2 and that all tokens purchased after the meter has been switched will work on your meter.

Can I use my current tokens after entering the TID Rollover Key Change Tokens?

  • No, you need to use all current credit tokens before entering the key change tokens.

Should you have any unused tokens, please load them now!

Will I need a new meter because of the TID Rollover

  • No, if your prepaid meter is functioning correctly, it will not need to be replaced.

Who should I contact for more information about the TID Rollover?

Contact MidCity Utilities for detailed information:

https://midcityutilities.co.za/contact-us/

Source & Other Information

https://www.tidrollover.com/

https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/key-revision-number/

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MidCity Utilities © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

How can I purchase pre-paid electricity?

By making use of one of the following:

  • MidCity Utilities App

  • MidCity Utilities Website

  • Internet Banking

  • Unipin vouchers
  • Unipin vouchers can be purchased at registered retailers, garages and other suppliers.
  • When providing your pre-paid meter number to the cashier, the pre-paid purchase will transfer over to the meter automatically.

  • If you do not provide your meter number to the cashier and you receive the voucher slip, you must follow the steps as set out thereon.

  • Make sure you are using the correct meter number.
  • After registering with MidCity Utilities for pre-paid electricity, our Customer Care Personnel will SMS you your meter number.

  • When you register for the Mobile App or on our website, you will also be able to see your meter number.

  • Clients who also request to receive monthly statements, even though they are on pre-paid, will be able to see their meter number on their monthly statement.

  • Contact our Customer Care Personnel.
  • Log in to either our Mobile App or website.

  • SMS the word Balance (space) meter number to 37823. You will receive an SMS with your meter balance and predicted zero balance date.

  • Use your keypad, if you have one.
  • Yes. A low balance notification will be sent to the registered cell phone number that is loaded onto our system.

  • The low balance notification will be sent 48 hours before the calculated depletion date.

  • The depletion date received on the low balance notification, Mobile App or website is an estimation and depends on a client’s consumption habits and changes.

Mobile App or Website

  • The final step in the process on the Mobile App or website will indicate if the transaction was successful.

  • Transfer of credits to the meter can take approximately 10 minutes after the purchase is completed successfully.

  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.

Internet Banking

  • Confirmation of transaction is provided by your banking service.

  • You will receive an SMS or email with the value of the token as well as the 20-digit code already loaded on your meter.

  • Purchases through Internet Banking can take approximately 30 minutes to transfer over to the meter.

  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.

Unipin voucher

  • After following the process reflected on the voucher with your cell phone, you will receive confirmation and notification on your device.

  • Purchases through Unipin vouchers can take approximately 30 minutes to transfer over to the meter.

  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I purchase pre-paid electricity?

By making use of one of the following:

  • MidCity Utilities App
  • MidCity Utilities Website
  • Internet Banking
  • Unipin vouchers
Where can I buy a Unipin voucher?
  • Unipin vouchers can be purchased at registered retailers, garages and other suppliers.
How do I load a Unipin voucher?
  • When providing your pre-paid meter number to the cashier, the pre-paid purchase will transfer over to the meter automatically.
  • If you do not provide your meter number to the cashier and you receive the voucher slip, you must follow the steps as set out thereon.
  • Make sure you are using the correct meter number.
Where do I get my meter number/meter serial number?
  • After registering with MidCity Utilities for pre-paid electricity, our Customer Care Personnel will SMS you your meter number.
  • When you register for the Mobile App or on our website, you will also be able to see your meter number.
  • Clients who also request to receive monthly statements, even though they are on pre-paid, will be able to see their meter number on their monthly statement.
  • Contact our Customer Care Personnel.
How do I see what my meter balance is?
  • Log in to either our Mobile App or website.
  • SMS the word Balance (space) meter number to 37823. You will receive an SMS with your meter balance and predicted zero balance date.
  • Use your keypad, if you have one.
Will I receive low balance warnings or notifications?
  • Yes. A low balance notification will be sent to the registered cell phone number that is loaded onto our system.
  • The low balance notification will be sent 48 hours before the calculated depletion date.
  • The depletion date received on the low balance notification, Mobile App or website is an estimation and depends on a client’s consumption habits and changes.
How do I know that credit has been loaded?

Mobile App or Website

  • The final step in the process on the Mobile App or website will indicate if the transaction was successful.
  • Transfer of credits to the meter can take approximately 10 minutes after the purchase is completed successfully.
  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.

Internet Banking

  • Confirmation of transaction is provided by your banking service.
  • You will receive an SMS or email with the value of the token as well as the 20-digit code already loaded on your meter.
  • Purchases through Internet Banking can take approximately 30 minutes to transfer over to the meter.
  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.

Unipin voucher

  • After following the process reflected on the voucher with your cell phone, you will receive confirmation and notification on your device.
  • Purchases through Unipin vouchers can take approximately 30 minutes to transfer over to the meter.
  • On the Mobile App, website or SMS balance enquiry, it can take between 30 minutes to an hour to update the effective current balance after a purchase was made.
My token is not loading. What do I do?