Ever wondered what that box on your wall is used for when it comes to topping up your Kenya Power tokens or managing your pre-paid subscription?
That my friend, is a CIU unit.
CIU stands for Customer Interface Unit. It’s basically a handy device that lets you interact with your pre-paid service provider.
In Kenya, you’ll most commonly come across CIU units for:
- Kenya Power: If you have a prepaid electricity meter, the CIU unit is where you enter the 20-digit token you receive after paying for your electricity units. This unit then communicates with your meter and tops up your available power.
- Pay TV providers: Companies like GoTV might use CIU units for managing your pre-paid subscription. You might use the CIU to top up your account using voucher codes or access information about your remaining viewing time.
Here’s the gist of how CIU units work:
- You purchase a pre-paid service (electricity units, pay TV subscription).
- You receive a code or token (usually via SMS or physical voucher).
- You enter this code on the CIU unit keypad.
- The CIU unit communicates with the service provider (e.g., Kenya Power) to verify the code and update your account balance.
Kenya Power CIU Unit
- It has a keypad where you enter the 20-digit token received from KPLC after paying for electricity units.
- The CIU unit communicates with your actual meter to top up your available power.
Meter number:
- This is a unique identifier for your specific electricity meter installed outside your house.
- It’s usually a series of numbers and letters displayed on the meter itself.
- You might need the meter number for specific situations, like contacting KPLC about meter issues or referencing your account information.
To find your meter number, look at your CIU Unit. It’s usually a serial code in front or at the back of the device.
Remember:
- How you use your CIU unit will depend on the specific service provider. Always refer to their instructions for proper use.
- Take care of your CIU unit! Don’t tamper with it or expose it to harsh weather conditions.
So next time you top up your electricity or manage your pre-paid subscription, you’ll know exactly what that little box on your wall is for β your trusty CIU unit!