Last Updated
The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has become recognised as the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems, ensuring inter-operability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems.
The application of the technology is licensed through the STS Association, thus ensuring that the appropriate encryption key management practices are applied to protect the security of the prepayment transactions of utilities operating to protect the security of the prepayment transactions of utilities operating STS systems.
It has become established as a worldwide standard for the transfer of electricity prepayment tokens since its introduction in South Africa in 1993 and subsequent publication by the International Electrotechnical Commission as the IEC62055 series of specifications.
Shenzhen CLOU is member of the STS association. See a member list here.
Security issues are of prime importance to the utility supplier and the consumer. The use of the STS standard prevents:
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from hit and miss attempts at entering the correct number
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from a stolen vending station
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from legitimate vending stations outside of the utility’s area
- Fraudulent use of tokens which have already been used
- Tampering of legitimate tokens e.g. to change the value
STS provides the facility of generating (e.g. credit transfer) tokens which can only be used by the intended meter, and furthermore in the case of credit tokens, can only be used once in that meter.
In order to achieve the above security, the standard defines the following:
- the use of advanced encryption techniques, which are at all times hidden from the consumer
- the use of very secure key management procedures, including the manner in which keys are generated and transported
- Required functionality at both the vending station and the meter
Glossary
Meter Specific Token
Meter specific tokens can only be issued by the utility or power supply company.
General token handling
During input the numbers entered are displayed on the LCD, scrolling from right to left, with a dash displayed at every fourth digit. A counter in the upper left corner shows the total number of entered digits.
In this example 15 digits have already been entered.
The delay for accepting an input of the next digit is 20 seconds. After that time the display returns to the default display and the token entry was incomplete.
After token input the display shows one of the following information for 3 seconds.
Accept:
The Token is accepted and the purchased energy amount is added to the remaining credit. After that the meter shows the purchased amount for 5 seconds.
Reject:
If the input is wrong, or random numbers are input with the purpose of tampering, the LCD display will indicate Reject-x, x is the times of wrong input.
In this example have been already eight inputs wrong. After 3 wrong inputs the keyboard is locked for 10 seconds.
During that time the display shows: REJECT and the remaining waiting time in seconds (toggles every two seconds).
With each new wrong input the lockout time for the keyboard is doubled. After 10 wrong inputs the customer needs to wait 1,280 seconds. This is the maximum waiting time. Each new incorrect input leads to another waiting time of 1,280 seconds.
When token entry lockout is active the interface does not decrypt any meter specific tokens. Non-meter specific tokens and codes are still accepted and processed as normal while in lockout mode.
The lockout period is reset to its original non-lockout status after any meter specific token has been successfully accepted by the meter or after meter is powered down and up again.
Used:
A security feature built into the STS is that no credit token can be used more than once. This is achieved by having an identifier built into the token. These identifiers are stored in a table in the meter, and the identifier of a new token is compared with the table If it has already been entered into the meter, the token will be rejected. The meter will give a notification that the token is used.
Old:
Due to the nature of the token identifier, an STS token has an effective life-time of approximately three months. If a token older than three months is entered, the meter may reject that token, and give an indication on the display that the token is old.
Full:
A meter has a maximum amount of credit that it can store. If the number of units on the token will cause the meter credit to exceed this maximum value, the token will be rejected. The token may be entered at a later date when the level of credit in the meter has reduced enough to accept this token. The meter gives an indication that it is full.
Non-Meterspecific Management Token
This tokens are generally defined and are working with all STS prepayment meters. Sometimes this token are also called engineering token.
Internal Latching Relays Test
0000 0000 0001 5099 7584
Display Test
0000 0000 0001 6777 4880
Total Units Register Value
0000 0000 0002 0132 8896
Key revision No. KRN
1844 6744 0738 4377 2416
Tariff Index
3689 3488 1475 5332 2496
Power limit Threshold
0000 0000 0012 0797 4400
Actual active power
0000 0000 0044 2920 8064
Meter Software Version
0000 0000 0087 2419 5840
Tamper Status
0000 0000 0022 8172 8512
Phase Power Unbalance Limit
0000 0000 0173 1410 5857
Tariff Rate
0000 0000 0688 5369 7029
Run all above Token in Sequence
5649 3153 7254 5031 3471
In a test sequence (run all), each test has a duration of 2.5 seconds, and is performed in the above order. For a single test per token, the test has a duration of 5 seconds.
After completion of the test sequence the meter returns to its actual operation mode.
Load Control
STS prepayment meters have a programmable load limit. This limit can be set by the Set Maximum Power Load Token. If the load is higher than the load threshold, the meter will have acoustic alarm and the red LEDs on UIU (user interface unit) and MCU (the meter) are flashing.
The following procedure is employed to restrict the number of switching cycles, when the meter is disconnecting the load in order to limit the average power consumed.
If overload state duration reaches 30 seconds, meter shall cut off consumption load and relay shall auto close in 2 minutes. After 5 attempts within 30 minutes, the meter waits for the lockout period (default is 30 minutes) if the consumption is still above the limit before repeating the procedure. This are the CLOU default settings.
The display gives a clear indication that the load has been disconnected to limit the power. This indication shall exist for as long as the load switch is in the “off” state due to this condition and toggles with the remaining waiting time every 2 seconds. When the supply voltage is out of the operating voltage range (<68% Un or >132% Un), the relay will not operate. When the supply voltage returns to the operating range the MCU sets the relay into the actual status.
Key Change Token
If necessary the meter key can be changed with a set of key change tokens. Two tokens make up the generation of a Key Change Token. They are created to change the meter configuration, namely the Tariff Index, Supply Group Code and Key Revision Number. These two tokens may be entered in any order. If there is a delay of more than 10 minutes the meter timeout and forgets the first key change token entered.
When the first token is issued, the meter accepts it, but performs no action on it. Only after accepting the second token will the meter actually perform the key change. These key change tokens are encrypted in the same way as credit tokens, therefore the trouble shooting procedure for non-acceptance is the same as for credit tokens. Depending on the token input the display shows one of this information.
If the second token was entered at first, the display shows PLS-1St, means the meter is waiting for the first token. This display indicates the acceptance of the entered token.
If the first token was entered at first, the display shows PLS-2nd, means the meter is waiting for the second token.
Supply Group Code (SGC)
The Supply Group Code (SGC) is usually assigned to a meter by the manufacture for a specific utility and location (usually a large distribution area). The meter SGC must match with the vending system SGC. If it does not match, it is not possible to run STS token operations.
Supply Group Codes are currently managed by the Eskom Key Management Centre, physically located at Eskom Midrand.
Key Management Centre (KMC)
The STS Key management centre is operated for the STS association by the national electricity utility company Eskom in South Africa. Their services are as follows:
- The registration of Supply Group Codes (SGCs) on the KMC
- The registration of all security modules on the KMC
- The initialisation of all security modules on the KMC
- The generation of all STS vending keys for the relevant Supply Group Codes
- The loading / coding of the relevant STS vending keys into security modules, for use by the appointed vending equipment manufacturer/s. This will include security modules that are new, repaired or that need to be re-coded. The physical coding needs to take place in Eskom’s KMC in Midrand
- The loading of a key file onto a disk to accompany the security module (for loading onto the vending equipment). The disks will be supplied by Eskom
- The loading of STS vending keys on key cards, for use by the appointed meter manufacturers. The physical loading of the key cards needs to take place in Eskom’s KMC in Midrand.
STS Security
Security issues are of prime importance to the utility supplier and the consumer. The use of the STS standard prevents:
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from hit and miss attempts at entering the correct number
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from a stolen vending station
- Fraudulent generation of tokens from legitimate vending stations outside of the utility’s area
- Fraudulent use of tokens which have already been used
- Tampering of legitimate tokens e.g. to change the value
STS provides the facility of generating (e.g. credit transfer) tokens which can only be used by the intended meter, and furthermore in the case of credit tokens, can only be used once in that meter.
In order to achieve the above security, the standard defines the following:
- the use of advanced encryption techniques, which are at all times hidden from the consumer
- the use of very secure key management procedures, including the manner in which keys are generated and transported
- Required functionality at both the vending station and the meter
Credit Token
Clear Tamper Token
If the meter is tampered the display shows a raised hand and the internal relay disconnects the power supply. In this case the customer needs to apply for a tampering clearance token with the utility or the local Power Vending Center (POS). After the token is successfully entered the meter will close the relay and return to normal operation.
We get frequently requests for Clear Tamper Tokens. First of all we’d like to say „Thank You“ for visiting our page.
We as meter manufacturer can not provide you with working tokens. You need to contact your power supply company. If for whatever reason you don’t want to do that, you have the following options:
Try all possible tokens
This will take you about 40 millenniums depending on your input speed. (One millennium is 1,000 years). You better make a list with all combinations first to avoid double entries. Actually the time gets longer because our STS payment meters and most competitor ones have a lock-out after a certain number of wrong attempts.
Consult your local fortune teller
Maybe it helps and he/she comes out with the right token. Most likely you need to consider a service fee.
User the random short time token generator
It generates a Magic Random Short Time Token (MRSTT) and it’s valid for one minute only. We are using a fancy artificial intelligence algorithm. Due to heavy server load during the day we recommend to choose a time between midnight and sun rise. It’s also important that you have a strong believe.
Putting some garlic on the UIU (user interface unit) helps to avoid the vampire radiation.
Set Maximum Power Load Token
The load threshold can be changed by this token. If the user has an increased load demand that causes a frequent overload condition he needs to apply for a higher load threshold. A new Maximum Power Load Token will set this threshold.
TID Rollover
The Token Identifier (TID) is a 24 bit field, contained in STS compliant tokens, that identifies the date and time of the token generation. It is used to determine if a token has already been used in a payment meter.
The TID represents the minutes elapsed since the 1st January 1993. Every minute one bit is added.
This means, that at a certain date the TID field will be full and rolls over to all bits are zero. This magic date is the 24. November 2024 at 08:15pm.
Then the TID shows:
111111111111111111111111
One minute later it shows:
000000000000000000000000
All STS prepayment meters will be affected by TID roll over on that date. Any token generated after this date will be rejected if the vending software, security modules and meters are not updated.
Update of the meters will be done by two tokens, issued by the updated vending system.
The STS association has published a guideline to handle the rollover in a proper way. See more information here
Click the button to see the actual TID status.
Vending Time:
Token ID:
Comments and questions are welcome.
Hi I opened a cover on my Hexing meter because there was a burning wire so I was checking for loose connection then after I put the cover back the relay didn’t close so I entered the trap code then the relay closed ,after 5min the relay opens again I keep on putting the trap code.it keeps on doing the very same thing.
So please help me.
Kindly
Tau
You have opened the meter. A tamper was detected and the relay disconnected. I don’t know what you mean by trap code and why the Hexing meter connects for 5 minutes. Usually the relay remains disconnected until the utility has resolved the issue. You need to contact your power supply company or utility.
If I want to be a prepaid energy provider like in solar energy and decide to use a manufacture who has an sts prepaid meter for my customer, do I also have to be an sts member?
Yes, you need to have your own SGC(supply group code) to ensure that your vending system is safe.
Must I put my sts kit plugged in a socket while recharging
I suppose you mean your customer interface unit (CIU). There are two main communication methods. One is power line communication, then you need to plug the device in. The other is wireless communication. Then the plug is only for recharging of the battery. Use any short code to see if you have communication without plugging in. If yes, you don’t need to plug-in for topping up the meter.
Can STS prepaid meters be used on off-grid solar systems? If so, how is communication achieved between the meter and the company supplying the solar equipment? Is communication necessary for the generated code for recharge to work?
This is also a typical use case for STS prepaid meters.
The power company providing the electricity sets up a vending system with one or more POS (point of sales). The meters have the SGC (supply group code) of the vending system. Then your customers can buy energy units at the POS. After purchase, they will get a 20 digit token to punch-in to their meter for topping up. There is no communication necessary.
How can I get the supply group code of a DisCo
All prepayment meters have a shortcode to show the supply group code (SGC) on the display.
I want to register
You can find the registration form for our info-mails at the bottom of each page.
We are using double opt-in, so please confirm your email after registration.
I need a termper clearing code pls
You need to contact your power supplier. They can help you.
Hi I’m Kalio from Nigeria, how do I set up an STS vendor. Thank you.
If you want to sell your own generated power you need to have
– a SGC (supply group code),
– prepayment meters for your customers matching with your SGC,
– vending software,
– a security module for token generation based on your SGC.
If you want to become a vendor under a power supply company you need to contact them for their terms and conditions.
Hi my name is Peter P Kollie I live Monrovia Liberia, my meter is registered and it’s active in the system but when ever I try buying credit they always telling me that my number is not in the system… But when I call to the office they always tell me that my meter is active but the credit can’t come out this is my meter number#54180086842 I have reported this issue several times but no response the last time they told me to enter this code 66811945688654352532 to enter and I did it was accepted but I stay not buying credit up to now!!!!
This seems to be a problem in the power supply company vending system.
Good Day
Please my Name is Abayomi From Abuja, Nigeria
I do i check my Credit Balance
I need the code
Thanks
There is no unified code for the different meter manufacturers. For CLOU meters it’s short-code 07.
My meter keeps on cutting off . What could be the problem
Possible reasons can be from power supply side:
– under-voltage
– over-voltage
– under-frequency
– over-frequency
– general fails at the distribution transformer
From your side:
– the actual consumption is exceeding the limit set by the power company
The power company has the possibility to read your meter log-file. As them, they can find out the detailed reason.
Hello good afternoon ,,,my name is Oliver Subah from Paynesville, Liberia ,I am home and I observed that my meter was showing green n tamper mode at d same time ,,I am presently out of power, I still have lots of credit in it,,,how do I remove d tamper mode please,,,my meter no,,,54180075654
Only your power supply company can reset the tamper. They can also find out the reason behind.
Hello,, please we need some assistant here. We have about 200 hexing meters that are reject key change token, please help us with a token to reset it to SGC- 999910. (Supply group code)
Only the utility, power company or vending company which holds the actual SGC can issue the key change tokens to change to a new supply group code. This is part of the STS security measures.
Thats exactly how the meter was supplied to us.. It has not got to any other distribution company. Those meter was shipped to us with SGC 999910 and still rejecting token after it was delivered to us. Please help us out
In that case only Hexing as meter manufacturer and owner of the actual meter SGC can help you.
My name is Hakeem, the interface in my apartment has disconnected due to over power as explained in the load control above. This has happened consecutively in the last two months. IKED official claim that the breaker is weak and need to be replaced. Kindly advise because my apartment has been in blackout for three days.
Thanks.
We suppose that your meter disconnects due to over power. So basically you are taking more power than you are allowed to take. This restriction settings are done by the power company. If the breaker behind the meter disconnects, the breaker needs to be replaced. This is typically done by the building janitor.
want to check my meter number at the display of my meter what code should I press
The meter number is printed on the meter. For checking with short code you need to refer to the short code list provided with your meter upon installation. There is no general standard for meter codes.
Hello good evening,,,my name is Johnson osho from port Harcourt,,,I got home from work dis evening n I discover dat my meter was showing green n tamper mode at d same time ,,I still lots of credit in it,,,how do I remove d tamper mode please,,,my meter no,,,610124001143724
You need to call your power service provider.
The local vendor has shut down dew to the situation of the country,i will be glad if you can help me to find a solution to it,
Actually only your local power company can help you. STS meter vending is secured like a banking system. We also can not provide your bank PIN.
I have tried loading the sts token on my prepaid meter but it has been rejecting
My meter relay is open this’s The meter number 541801226036
Sorry to hear that. Contact your local power company. They can help you.
We are a registered member of the STS Association and we recently applied for the manufacturer code, how long does it take for one to receive feedback on the application status? Should we just wait until we are assigned the codes or is there a specific period one is supposed to wait for the same?
Actually we have got our manufacturer code a long time ago. I can’t recall the lead time. Typically the STS Association is very responsive. I suggest you wait for a while or you send a email and ask them.
When i key in 02 my CL710K11B-! meter it displayed
002 kw
2.4825
what does this meant?
It shows the maximum demand for the actual month. Means, you have used over a certain time period a maximum power of 2.4825 kW. As you are most likely not billed for maximum demand, this code 002 is only for information.
My UIU is not displaying the meter number when I press 99.
Hello and could you please let me know which kind of meter you are mentioned in the question?
When I key in 07 for clou meter nothing is going on when ito up tokens its beems tititi, and it goes back 000 not showing credit balance and the current its flowing what’s wrong please?.
Actually it’s hard to understand the question. We suppose that the user interface unit is not communicating with the meter. It’s most likely a pairing issue. Please contact your power supply company for help.
You are loading tokens when the handheld is not connected to a power supply or socket. Plug it in a socket and top up for it to communicate
When I key 095 meter displays 8, what does it mean.meter make it’s CLUO series 5440…..
All CLOU meters are starting with two or three letters, followed by number, letter and number. Please indicated the full type identification as found on the meter label.
How can I get tamper code
This is a really frequently asked question. See our answer here.
my meter no. 43195401955 my meter is new but is not working at the first time since installed no out put . there is code numbers that can make a power out put to operate
It can have several reasons, for example wrong installation or no credit. Call your local power supplier to help you.
When i key in 095 it displays 6,what is the meaning ?
The short-codes are meter specific. Please indicate the meter type.
My meter display error 7 how to clear it
Each meter manufacturer uses his own error codes. You need to indicate the meter type/manufacturer, or you contact your power supplier. They have a complete list of all manufacturer error codes and can help you most efficient.
My meter number is 01071578718 and is blocked. I used to buy electricity using bank account. I was not around from June until now. When I buy electricity today I found out that my meter is blocked. What can I do now.
Call your local power company service centre.
my token is showing hazard light, what could be
the problem? its inhemeter.
I never saw a token with a hazard light. Sounds scaring. You need to ask your power company or you look into the inhemeter user manual if they have delivered one.
our meter number is 62180141392, so that I can load it, when I enter the token is display reject
“Reject” is show when the token is either input wrong, or the token was maybe issued for a meter with another serial no.
You need to contact your power supplier.
My meter is on temper code please help me here is the meter number 07063195692 thanks
You need to contact your power company.
my meter enter tempered mode, how can i remove it from temper mode.
my meter no 47000395914
My meter no is 37144474345 I want to get the tamper code. because the neutral in my meter has loose and so no supply in the house so I need the tamper code to enable the electrician open and tighten the neutral for me
61 0124000174431 my meter just entered tamper
My metre no 37156652317 blocked after a short circuit in my house, how can I get tanner code