Only twenty digits

An ECG prepaid token is a 20-digit STS code. SMS messages also contain dates, kWh, amount, and sometimes a meter number. Those extra numbers must not go into the keypad. If the SMS groups digits in fives, type them without spaces.

Which keypad

  • Integrated meter: keypad on the meter face (common in smaller installations).
  • Split meter: keypad on the indoor CIU. The pole meter is not where you type.

Entry sequence

  1. Wake the display (any key or the branded blue/enter key).
  2. If a previous half-entry is showing, cancel/back until idle.
  3. Type all 20 digits in order. Pause if the screen lags; do not restart unless you know a digit was wrong.
  4. Press Enter (blue key, diamond, or # depending on Hexing, Itron, Conlog, Landis).
  5. Wait for accept. Then check credit/kWh on the cycling LCD.

Brands differ slightly; ECG does not publish one universal key map. If Enter does nothing, try the blue key once. Opening the cover to “see better” can trip tamper.

Mistakes that look like a bad token

  • Including the meter number or the GHS amount.
  • Starting from the second group because the first looked like a header.
  • O / 0 and 1 / 7 confusion when reading a faded printout — prefer SMS.
  • Entering a neighbour’s forwarded token on your meter.

Still failing after two clean entries: token rejected or meter not accepting.