IBEDC to upgrade metering system

The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has announced an upcoming upgrade for its Standard Transfer Specification prepaid meters to enhance efficiency and align with global standards.

The upgrade, known as Token Identification Rollover, aims to ensure the continued seamless operation of prepaid meters while maintaining customer satisfaction.

 A statement signed by the Managing Director of IBEDC, Kingsley Achife, said the upgrade scheduled to take effect from August 1, 2023, would 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 alongside their regular energy tokens when purchasing electricity,” 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 further stated.

During the upgrade period, customers were advised to take note of the following important details: Mandatory Upgrade: Customers must upgrade their prepaid meters by sequentially entering the two KCT tokens (KCT1 & KCT2) and then the energy token, as provided by IBEDC.

“Expiry of Old Tokens: Effective August 1, 2023, 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.

Credit Balance Preservation: 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.

“One-Time Upgrade: The meter upgrade is a one-time process. Subsequent energy token purchases will continue as usual after the upgrade has been completed,” he concluded.