L.K. Nathans
If this is your first time using KPLC prepaid meters, you are probably wondering how to buy KPLC tokens via MPESA.
For a first timer, the process may seem confusing but after using it a couple of times you will realize that it is actually very simple.
In this guide I will show you the exact steps you should follow when buying KPLC tokens via MPESA.
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Before we begin, there is something you first need to understand. KPLC has two paybill numbers and this has been confusing a lot of people.
The two KPLC paybill numbers are:
- 888 888 for postpaid customers (use this when paying monthly electricity bill)
- 888 880 for prepaid customers (use this when buying KPLC tokens)
Many people are not sure which KPLC paybill number to use when buying electricity tokens via MPESA.
Well, today I am going to clear the confusion.
The first thing you need to understand is the difference between postpaid and prepaid KPLC bills.
Difference between postpaid and prepaid KPLC bills
Postpaid basically means that you use before buying. That is, your electricity bill will be charged based on how you used it. This is usually done every month and applies to KPLC customers who DO NOT use the token system.
If you therefore use the older meters where you pay your KPLC electricity bills every month, you will use the paybill number 888 888.
On the other hand, prepaid means that you pay before using. This applies to the current token system where you need to buy KPLC units before you can access electricity. So if you are a prepaid customer, meaning you buy your tokens and do not pay montly bills, you will use the KPLC paybill number 888 880.
Here are the differences in a nutshell
- In postpaid you PAY your electricity bill every month after using it while in prepaid you BUY KPLC tokens on the go
- In postpaid you use paybill number 888 888 while to buy tokens (prepaid) you use KPLC paybill number 888 8800
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Now that we have that confusion out of the way, let us look at how to buy KPLC tokens via MPESA.
Time needed: 2 minutes.
How to Easily Buy KPLC Electricity tokens Via MPESA
- Open you MPESA Menu
- Tap on the “Pay Bill” option
- Next, select “Enter Business number”
- Key in 888 880 KPLC paybill number and Tap on “OK”
Note that business number and paybill number are just the same thing so don’t be confused.
- After that, Tap on “Enter Account Number”
The account number is unique to every customer. This is basically your KPLC Prepaid meter number and is written on the top of your meter below the barcode. So go check it out and enter it as the account number. When you are done, tap on “OK” to continue.
- Enter Amount
You can enter as low as Ksh 50 and and a maximum of Ksh 35,000. Tap “OK” to continue
- Enter your MPESA PIN
Enter the PIN you use with your MPESA account. Make sure that no one you don’t want to know your MPESA PIN is looking.
- Confirm your details
You will be given a pop up message to confirm that all your details are correct before continuing. Cross-check everything and tap on ‘OK’ to continue
- MPESA HAKIKISHA
This is a very important step. MPESA will allow you to ensure that you are sending money to KPLC and not the wrong company. If the recipient’s name is ‘Kenya Power’ tap on “Cancel’ to make the payments. If not, reply with any number within 25 seconds to cancel the transaction
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After completing the payment process you will receive a confirmation message from MPESA after which KPLC will generate the token number shortly.
You will receive a message containing a 20 digital token number and the amount of units you will receive. You can ignore the rest of the information like tax deductions and start keying in the token number into the meter.
Also don’t confuse the Meter number with the Token Number because both are contained in the SMS you receive from KPLC.
- Mtr NO: 37xxxx (11 digits)- Ignore this one. It is just your meter number.
- Token: xxxxxxxx (20 digits) – Enter this one into your meter
How to Load KPLC tokens into the Meter
The process is pretty straightforward. If the meter is powered on, just start keying in the 20 digit token number. As you enter, the number of digits you have entered are displayed on the top left corner of the meter screen.
Make sure that the digits are 20 and correctly entered then press the blue button to confirm. Your meter will be recharged with the amount of units you bought.
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How long does it take for KPLC to send the tokens?
When the prepaid token system was first effected, you would have to wait for up to 24hours before you receive the tokens. For example, you could buy the tokens in the morning and receive them in the evening.
I am happy to report that that is no longer the case. After a boatload of customer complaints, KPLC refurbished its system and now you don’t have to worry about the best time to buy KPLC tokens. Any time is the best time.
That is to say, you will receive you tokens immediately you buy them. No more cases of KPLC tokens delay.
