By relying on the prepaid meter, it means customers pay for electricity upfront just like loading airtime on mobile phones. This new solution simply allows you to load up units on your prepaid meter and gradually use it until the next recharge. One of the major concerns of the prepaid meter solution is the unlawful practice of tampering with electricity meters and cables, any unauthorised interference with the electricity equipment creates a serious risk to safety and can have potentially fatal consequences for customers. These prepaid meters are built to automatically detect unauthorised interferences, interference such as bypassing your meters and illegally altering meters to slow down consumption are unlawful and could sometimes pose serious danger to buildings. That said, let’s dive deeper as we explore everything you should know about meter tampering and how to remove prepaid meters from tamper mode in Nigeria.
What is Meter Tamper Mode?
Metre tampering is a situation where the meter is unable to dispense power/supply/current to the customer’s premises due to some of the reasons highlighted below.
Why do meters go into Tamper Mode?
Meters go into tamper mode for the following reasons:
Open meter contactor/cover Unauthorised interference with the meter Sparks Poor electrical wiring
How do you know when your prepaid meter enters Tamper Mode?
The most possible way to detect a tampered prepaid meter is when it is unable to dispense power/supply/current to your premises. Another way to confirm your meter has entered Tamper Mode is to check your meter remote controller (the one your use in recharging units), it will display a Relay Open symbol which means the current is cut off.
What does a Tamper Code/Token look like? A Prepaid Meter Tamper Code/Token needed to clear the error comes in a 20-digit number just like the one displayed in the screenshot below.
What happens when cases of Meter Tampering related to “bypass” are discovered?
Meter tampering can occur as a result of some uncontrollable circumstances, in my case, it happened due to a spark in electrical wiring. However, when evidence of meter bypass is discovered by your electricity company, you are liable to pay a fine (e.g EKEDC – ₦50,000 for Single Phase Meter), in addition, your electricity company will estimate and charge you based on the number of units that were stolen, recorded or under-billed as a result of the unauthorised interference.
How To Remove Prepaid Meters From Tamper Mode in Nigeria
If your prepaid meter suddenly stops supplying current/power to your premises/house, then it is possible that your prepaid electricity meter has entered what is known as ‘Tamper Mode’ and to fix this, you need the Tamper Code. Contained below is how to solve your Tamper Mode issue to generate a prepaid meter tamper code in Nigeria. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Fix Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode in Abuja
For prepaid meter customers residing in Abuja, you can solve your Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode error by following the steps below. You can contact Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) using any of your preferred support channels below and report the Tamper error:
Fix Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode in Lagos
Lagos State Electricity Company comprises Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), so depending on the district that controls your electricity, you can solve your Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode error by reaching out using any of your preferred support channels:
Fix Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode in Enugu
To remove the Tamper Mode on your prepaid metre for Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), send a WhatsApp message that includes your Name and Prepaid Meter Number to 08150826060 or 08150826061 and the Tamper Code will be sent to you. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to WhatsApp, you can call the Call Centre on 084700100 and a support agent would assist you right away. Other methods that could be followed include sending a message via email (see email below) or visiting the district office for assistance.
Fix Tamper Mode Error – For Other Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria
Conclusion
Prepaid Meter Tamper Mode is a very common failure that occurs to your electricity meter when it automatically detects an unauthorised interference, when you get this error, the only feasible solution is to reach out to your electricity company through the channels shared above, afterwards, an authorised technician would visit to solve this problem with a Tamper Code. Some electricity companies would preferably send the Clear Tamper Token for you to enter by yourself via the indoor unit (remote controller). Moving forward, always reach out to the right electricity company and avoid unauthorised tampering with the meter or hiring illegal electricians that promise to reduce the billings, when cases of bypass are discovered by your electricity company, you are liable to pay a fine (e.g EKEDC – ₦50,000 for Single Phase Meter), in addition, your electricity company will estimate and charge you based on the number of units that were stolen, or recorded or under-billed due to the unauthorised interference.
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