Fix Prepaid Electricity Meter Errors in Johannesburg – 2025 Guide

Also read: Who Supplies Electricity in Johannesburg: City Power or Eskom?

If your prepaid electricity meter refuses to load a token, shows strange codes, or disconnects altogether, don’t panic. These common issues can often be resolved at home – no technician required.

Here’s how to troubleshoot prepaid meter errors in Johannesburg, based on the latest info for 2025.

Common Prepaid Meter Errors – And How to Fix Them

1. ERROR-30 / Conn-FAIL / E07

Issue: The keypad has lost connection with the external meter box.
Fix:

• Plug the keypad into the closest power outlet to the meter outside your home. This is often more stable than using battery power.

• If you are using battery power, ensure the batteries are working. If weak, replace them. (Note: keypad batteries are not rechargeable.)

• Turn off all circuit breakers except the one powering the plug socket where the keypad is connected.

• Press i, #, or the blue button to reset the connection.

Tip: This is a non-technical error – no need to log a call or request a technician. Do not test your keypad at a neighbour’s house, as this won’t resolve a communication issue.

2. ConnEct

Issue: The keypad is trying to connect to the meter.
Fix:

• Wait up to 30 minutes for the connection to complete.

3. USED

Issue: The token has already been used.
Fix:

• Enter a new, unused token.

4. OUEr_Por

Issue: Meter overload – too many appliances running at once.
Fix:

• Switch off all appliances.

• Wait 30 minutes for the meter to reset.

• Restart appliances slowly, one by one. Consider upgrading your supply if this happens frequently.

5. Loct-oUT

Issue: The meter has locked you out due to overload.
Fix:

• Power is cut off during this error.

• Wait for the message to clear automatically, then reduce appliance usage going forward.

6. NOT_Act / E01

Issue: The meter hasn’t been activated or initialised.
Fix:

• For NOT_Act, enter: 55555

• For E01, enter: 1275 4194 1448 6450 5970

7. Meter Battery Low

Issue: The keypad batteries are depleted.
Fix:

• Replace with new non-rechargeable batteries, or plug the keypad into a wall socket if supported.

8. CIU Not Paired

Issue: The in-home keypad isn’t paired with the outdoor meter.
Fix:

• Enter your meter’s serial number on the keypad to re-establish connection.

9. rEjEct

Issue: The token is invalid or not authenticated.
Fix:

• This error cannot be cleared manually.

• Contact your electricity provider (City Power or Eskom) for support.

Also read: How Much Electricity Joburg Homes Use – And What You’re Really Paying For

Image 1: Eskom

What If None of That Works?

If the error remains after trying all relevant fixes:

Contact City Power or Report It:

• City of Johannesburg Call Centre: 0860 562 874 or 0860-JOBURG

• Email: [email protected]

• City Power Fault Logging: City Power

Make sure to note the error code and steps you’ve already tried – it’ll speed up the resolution.

Smart Tips to Avoid Prepaid Meter Issues

• Don’t overload your meter: Avoid running high-draw appliances (like geysers, heaters, and ovens) simultaneously.

• Use stable power for your keypad: If your keypad supports it, plug it into a wall socket rather than relying on batteries.

• Keep fresh batteries on hand: If your keypad is battery-only, replace them regularly.

• Avoid interference: Stay close to the external meter when connecting.

• Watch out for scams: Never allow access to your meter unless you’ve confirmed the technician’s identity directly with your provider.

Most prepaid electricity meter errors in Joburg can be resolved with a quick reset, a fresh token, or smarter usage. Save this guide and get back to power – fast – without logging unnecessary service calls.

Also read: Quick and Easy Guide to Reading Your Water and Electricity Meters in Johannesburg

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Source: Eskom

Featured Image: Eskom