The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has made significant strides in ensuring that households across the country have access to electricity through prepaid meter systems. These prepaid meters provide a convenient way for consumers to manage their electricity usage. However, one common problem that users experience is the persistent beeping sound that the meter makes when the token units run low. This can be especially annoying at night when the sound seems to be louder.
If you are tired of this continuous alarm, you’re in luck. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to silence the electricity meter beeping sound for different meter models.
What are KPLC Prepaid Meters?
KPLC prepaid meters are electronic devices that allow customers to purchase electricity tokens (measured in kilowatt-hours) in advance. This system replaced the traditional postpaid meters, which often led to delays in bill payments and subsequent power disconnections. With prepaid meters, consumers can monitor their electricity consumption in real-time and avoid the hassle of monthly bills. However, when token levels drop below a certain threshold (usually 20 kWh), the meters emit a loud beeping sound as a warning to top up before the power runs out.
Common Meter Models and How to Mute the Beeping Sound
KPLC uses various models of prepaid meters, and the method of silencing the beep differs depending on the brand and model of your meter. Below are the most common models and the steps to follow:
1. Hexing Meter
The Hexing meter model is widely used in many households in Kenya. To stop the beeping sound:
- Press
812
, followed by the hash key (#
) or the “Enter” button.
2. Nirav Meter
If your meter is branded “Nirav Star Instrument,” follow these steps:
- Press
1037
, then press the “Enter” button three times.
3. Conlog Intech Meter
For the Conlog Intech meter:
- Long press the hash key (
#
). This should mute the beeping.
4. Actaris Meter
To silence the Actaris meter:
- Long press the “Enter” button until the beeping stops.
5. Inhemeter
If you are using an Inhemeter model:
- Press
016
, then press “Enter”.
6. Shenzen Meter
For the Shenzen meter model:
- Press
1037
, then press “Enter” three times to mute the sound.
7. Itron Meter
To mute the beeping on an Itron meter:
- Long press the “Enter” button until the sound stops.
8. Intech Meter
If you have the Intech meter model:
- Press
812
, followed by the hash key (#
).
If none of these methods work for your meter, feel free to try the steps for another model as some methods may work across different brands.
How to Buy KPLC Tokens
After silencing the beeping sound, you may want to purchase more tokens to avoid the alarm in the future. KPLC offers a variety of methods to purchase tokens, with mobile money services like M-PESA and Equitel being the most popular options.
Purchasing Tokens via M-PESA
To purchase tokens using Safaricom’s M-PESA service:
- Go to the M-PESA menu and select “Lipa na M-PESA.”
- Choose “Pay Bill.”
- Enter KPLC’s PayBill number
888880
. - Enter your KPLC Prepaid Meter Number.
- Input the amount you wish to purchase (between Ksh 100 and Ksh 35,000).
- Enter your M-PESA PIN and confirm the details.
- Once the transaction is completed, KPLC will send your tokens via SMS.
Purchasing Tokens via Equitel
For those using Equitel:
- Select “Eazzy Pay” from the Equitel menu.
- Choose “Pay Bill” and select “KPLC Tokens.”
- Enter your KPLC Prepaid Meter Number.
- Input the amount (between Ksh 100 and Ksh 500,000).
- Confirm the details and complete the transaction.
- KPLC will send the tokens to your phone.
Other Convenient Ways to Pay for KPLC Tokens
Apart from M-PESA and Equitel, you can also pay for KPLC tokens through online banking, USSD codes from various banks, or through the KPLC app. Be sure to select the method that suits you best.
Contacting KPLC for Support
If you face any issues with your prepaid meter or need further assistance, you can reach out to KPLC’s customer service team through the following channels:
- Twitter: @KenyaPower_Care
- Facebook: KenyaPowerLtd
- Email: customercare@kplc.co.ke
- SMS: 95551
- Phone: 0703070707 or 0732170170
- Contact Centre: 95551
Managing your electricity consumption through KPLC prepaid meters has its advantages, but the beeping alarm can be quite bothersome. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily mute the alarm and enjoy some peace and quiet. Remember to keep your meter topped up to avoid the low unit warnings altogether.
With convenient ways to purchase tokens and reliable customer support, KPLC ensures that your electricity needs are met efficiently.