Electricity
10/10/20262 min read

How to Fix Prepaid Meter Token Rejections (E16, KCT & More)

Meter rejecting your token? Here is exactly how to fix KCT errors, E16 errors, and debt-related token rejections in Nigeria.

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Ade Leke
Author & Contributor
How to Fix Prepaid Meter Token Rejections (E16, KCT & More)

Why is my prepaid meter rejecting tokens?

You just bought an electricity token, typed in the 20 digits, pressed enter, and instead of a cheerful "ACCEPT", you get a long, angry beep and the word "REJECT".

Do not panic. Your money is not gone. Here are the three most common reasons this happens and exactly how to fix them.

1. The Key Change Token (KCT) Upgrade Issue

If you haven't upgraded your meter recently, this is likely your problem. The standard used for STS prepaid meters globally is expiring, and all meters must be upgraded before November 2024.

How to fix it:
When you buy electricity on Vtyield and your meter needs an upgrade, the disco (e.g., Ikeja Electric, IBEDC) will send you three tokens instead of one.
1. Punch in the first 20 digits and press Enter.
2. Punch in the second 20 digits and press Enter.
3. Finally, punch in your actual electricity token.

Your meter is now upgraded and will accept the recharge.

2. Outstanding Debt or Arrears

If you recently moved into a new apartment or the Disco adjusted your billing, there might be a debt tied to the meter. When you buy a token, the system might automatically deduct the debt.

How to fix it:
Check the token receipt. If the value of electricity given is extremely low compared to what you paid, the rest was used to service a debt. You need to visit your Disco's nearest office to clear or dispute the arrears.

3. Entering the Wrong Token

It sounds simple, but typing 20 digits on a fading keypad is prone to errors.
How to fix it:

  • Double-check the numbers.

  • Ensure you are not confusing '0' (zero) with 'O'.

  • Wait 2 minutes after a rejection before trying again so the meter resets its state.
  • What if it still rejects?

    If you bought the token on Vtyield, we guarantee the token is 100% valid directly from the Disco. If the meter still rejects it after trying the above, your meter might be physically faulty or paired to the wrong tariff index. You will need to contact your electricity provider's customer care with your meter number for a remote reset.

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