What to Do with a 220-Digit Prepaid Electricity Meter Token

Customers usually receive a 20-digit token after recharging their prepaid electricity meters. Recently, however, many customers have started receiving much longer 220-digit tokens, causing confusion among some users.

Electricity distribution company Northern Electricity Supply PLC (NESCO) said receiving a 220-digit token instead of a 20-digit one is neither an error nor an unusual occurrence. The company said it is issuing the additional token to implement the new electricity tariff.

According to available information, residential prepaid electricity meters calculate bills under a six-tier structure. Following the government's latest decision to increase electricity prices, the per-unit rates have changed in almost every tier. To activate the new tariff rates in the meters, authorities are sending customers an additional token along with their recharge token. As a result, the token length has increased to as many as 220 digits.

In a message, NESCO said receiving such a token does not indicate any problem with the meter. Rather, it is a normal part of the tariff update process.

What should customers do?

Customers must follow a specific procedure to enter a 220-digit token. The 220-digit token sent via SMS or the relevant portal is divided by commas (,) after every 20 digits. Customers must first enter the initial 20 digits into the meter and then press the green button or ‘Enter’.

They must then enter the next 20 digits in the same way. Once all segments have been entered successfully, the meter will add the balance and activate the new electricity tariff.

NESCO said customers experiencing any difficulties while entering the token may contact their nearest electricity office. They can also seek assistance by calling the relevant complaint center.