How to Check Balance on Prepaid Meter in Nigeria (2024)
Even after receiving their prepaid meters, many customers report that they are unable to check their prepaid meter balances in order to determine when their credits would expire.
This article explains how to check your prepaid meter balance and other procedures to be aware of while using a prepaid meter.
A prepaid meter allows power providers to collect energy bills from consumers prior to power usage by supplying only what has been paid for. A prepaid meter is analogous to a prepaid mobile phone. The meter includes a prepaid card, similar to a cell phone SIM card. The electricity utility communicates with the prepaid card using mobile communication infrastructure. When the prepaid card is out of balance, the contactor disconnects the consumer load from the utility supply. Based on consumer requests, the power company can remotely replenish the prepaid card via mobile communication.
When the Power Holding Company of Nigeria was privatized, prepaid meters were introduced into the Nigerian grid. When it comes to electricity supply, this news has come as a big relief to many Nigerians. Previously, there were constant complaints about the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission’s capricious meter billings (NEPA). People were overcharged for electricity usage, and many were unable to pay the bills that had accrued to them, causing government officials to disconnect their power source.
A prepaid meter allows a consumer to decide the value of power units used and the particular quantity to be repurchased, eliminating the need for estimates or arbitrary billings. This explains why, since its introduction, many Nigerians have hurried to obtain a PHCN prepaid meter.
To obtain a new prepaid meter, begin the KYC procedure by accessing the website of the individual power distribution business, for example, Ikeja Electric Company or Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company
As a new client, you will be required to enter your old meter number in order for the officials to examine your account profile.
Complete the Know Your Customer step, where you must enter your personal information correctly in order to begin the account survey process.
After you pay for your prepaid meters, it normally takes about ten working days for your prepaid meter to be put at your home. Typically, the activation process takes two working days following installation.
Then, you use the prepaid smart card to recharge your meter, and you must setup your smart card at the nearest Power Holding Company.
HOW TO RECHARGE THE PREPAID METER
Following the configuration of your smart card, there are five simple steps to recharge your prepaid meter with units and codes for use:
- The initial step for the consumer is to take their smart card to a dealer or PHCN office location in their neighborhood.
- The user displays the smart card, which also contains the user’s meter number.
- The user will be credited by the agent and handed a slip with a unique 20-digit code and a receipt as proof of payment.
- Return home and accurately enter the 20-digit code on the LCD panel using the UIU keyboard.
- If the token was entered successfully, the screen will display “ACCEPT.” This indicates that the recharge was a success. If the screen displays “REJECT,” it signifies the code was input incorrectly.
If a user does not choose to utilize the 20-digit code, the smart code can be used to recharge the pre-paid meter by following the four procedures outlined below:
- In the location of your pre-paid meter, open the card door of your monitor unit and carefully insert your smart card.
- Always keep the control box charged by connecting it to a power source.
- After inserting the smart card, a symbol similar to this “–” will appear on the LCD screen. This indicates that the prepaid meter and card are in sync. To avoid damaging the pre-paid meter, do not remove the smart card while reloading is in progress.
- Once the unit has been loaded, the user will be notified on the LCD screen.
THINGS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR AFTER THE PRE-PAID METER LOADING PROCESS IS COMPLETE
1. TOTAL CREDIT UNIT USED
Dial “07” on the keypad, followed by the blue button; you will be notified shortly.
2. METER NUMBER
If you do not know your meter number, simply dial “65,” then press the blue button, and the meter number will be displayed, with 11 digits in the Number field on the screen.
3. BALANCE
To check your prepaid meter balance, press “009” on the keypad followed by the blue button. Your current balance will be displayed.
HOW TO RECHARGE PREPAID METER ONLINE
To recharge your prepaid meter online, open your browser and navigate to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s website.
There is a list of Nigerian energy distribution firms such as Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKDC), Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)
Following your pick, you will be directed to another page where you must enter your information, such as your meter number, email address, phone number, and the cost of the electric unit you wish to purchase (in naira).
Click the “submit” button.
Confirm your order summary, then choose your preferred payment method. Bank transfers and credit cards are accepted as payment methods.
You will then be directed to the final page, which will indicate whether or not your order has been confirmed. Your token will be delivered to your mobile phone.
To reload your prepaid meter, enter the token given accurately.
You now know how to easily check your prepaid meter balance and reload it.
To see how much credit you’ve used on your prepaid meter at one time, dial “07” on the keypad, then push the blue button, and your available balance will be displayed on the screen.
TO CHECK THE BALANCE ON PREPAID METER
Hit “009” on the keypad, followed by the blue button. This is how the available balance will be shown. (102.12).
CONCLUSION
This is how you may check your unit balance and do anything else that you couldn’t accomplish on your Prepaid meter. It’s easy; simply follow the steps.
