Prepaid Electricity Meter (Krimy): Complete Guide — Charging, Faults & Emergency
The prepaid meter (Krimy) has become the most widespread type in Egypt since 2015 — you top it up with prepaid credit and it automatically cuts power when that credit runs out. Its simple appearance hides many details: confusing charging errors, balance draining at unexplained speed, and a screen showing numbers with unknown meaning. This guide explains everything.
By the Ases Kahraba team — Last updated: June 2026
Quick Answer
Meter shows CREDIT EXHAUSTED at midnight? Press Emergency → get EGP 30 instantly (step-by-step). Full decoder for ERR 06, ERR 10, and 15 other error screens. Recharge by Fawry, Vodafone Cash, or kiosk. 2026 guide.
Everything You Need to Know About the Prepaid Meter
- How does the prepaid meter work? The meter contains an electronic chip storing credit in kilowatt-hours (kWh). When charging, you enter a 20-digit token code — the code is encrypted with your meter's unique identifier (MSN) and the amount of purchased energy. The meter deducts consumption in real time from the balance. When it reaches zero: it warns you with intermittent beeps + emergency credit (if activated), then automatically cuts power.
- Most common prepaid meter models in Egypt: Hexing HXE110 — most widespread in residential areas. Small LCD screen, 4 buttons. Hexing HXE115 — updated version with more features. Landis+Gyr E110 Prepaid — used in some Upper Egypt and Greater Cairo governorates. ADD Electricity Meters (locally manufactured) — in some national projects. How to identify your model: look at the side label on the meter — it shows the model and MSN (Meter Serial Number) which you need when recharging.
- Prepaid meter recharging methods in Egypt 2026: (1) Electricity distribution company offices (local branches) — most reliable. (2) Fawry machines — widespread everywhere, 24/7. (3) Fawry mobile app — recharge from your phone. (4) Sahl app (تطبيق سهل) — Egypt's official government digital services app (iOS/Android), includes electricity payment under e-government services; no service fee. (5) Masary app — similar to Fawry, widely available. (6) Bank Misr and National Bank ATMs — look for 'electricity payments' service. (7) Distribution company apps (e.g., Cairo Electricity Distribution Company app). In all cases: you'll need the meter MSN + amount in EGP. You'll receive a 20-digit code to enter into the meter.
- Steps for entering the token in the meter: (1) Confirm electricity is reaching the meter (not cut from the pole). (2) Press the first button (or Enter) to wake the screen. (3) Enter the 20 digits one by one on the keypad. (4) Press Enter/Accept. (5) The meter will show 'ACCEPTED' or add the credit directly. If 'ERROR' appears: do not re-enter the code before reading the error in detail — see the errors section below.
- Common token errors and solutions: ERROR 01 / USED: The code was previously used — confirm you haven't charged it before. If not, contact the recharge point. ERROR 02 / REJECT: The code belongs to a different meter — verify the MSN on the recharge receipt against the meter sticker. ERROR 03 / EXPIRED: The code has expired (usually after 3–6 months) — return to the recharge point and request a new code with proof of payment. Mistyped digit: don't press Enter — look for a Clear/Delete button to erase your input and start again. Note: entering a wrong code repeatedly may temporarily lock the meter — in this case notify the electricity company.
- Emergency credit: Most prepaid meters in Egypt are programmed with a small emergency credit (usually 3–10 kWh) that activates automatically when the main balance runs out, or by pressing a specific button. It allows you to continue until you can recharge. On your next recharge, the emergency amount is deducted first. How to know it's active: the meter screen will show 'EMR' or 'EMERGENCY'. Warning: some meters don't support emergency credit beyond certain consumption limits or after multiple uses — don't rely on it as a permanent solution.
- Why does prepaid balance drain fast? Most common causes: (1) Electric water heater — the biggest consumer in the house (1,500–3,000 watts). Two hours daily = 90 kWh monthly. (2) Electrical leakage in internal wiring — recorded as consumption. (3) Old fridge or faulty compressor — running 24/7 at high consumption. (4) Electricity theft on the external wiring. (5) Air conditioner on auto mode running all night. First solution: disconnect all appliances and watch if the balance still decreases — if it does with everything off, there is leakage or theft.
- How to request prepaid meter installation (for those still on old meters): Submit a written request at your local distribution company office + request form (available at the branch or website). You'll need: current subscription details + ID copy. Fees: usually no additional fees — the company replaces the meter at their own expense as part of the national upgrade plan. Waiting time: ranges from one week to 3 months depending on the area and scheduling.
Table: Token Error Codes and Solutions
| Error Code | Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ERROR 01 / USED | Token already used | Confirm it wasn't charged before, else contact recharge point |
| ERROR 02 / REJECT | Token belongs to another meter | Verify MSN on recharge receipt |
| ERROR 03 / EXPIRED | Token has expired | Return to recharge point with proof of payment |
| ERROR 04 / INVALID | Invalid token or input error | Verify digits carefully, clear and re-enter |
| EMR / EMERGENCY | Emergency credit active | Recharge soon — will be deducted on next top-up |
Which Recharge Method Should You Use?
Comparison of all top-up options available in Egypt in 2026.
| App / Channel | Type | Service fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahl (سهل) | Government | No fee | Official e-gov app — most trusted for official records |
| Fawry machines | Kiosk / ATM | ~EGP 1–2 | Widest physical coverage; 24/7 nationwide |
| Fawry app | Mobile | ~EGP 1–2 | Same network as kiosks; fastest for repeat top-ups |
| Masary | Mobile | ~EGP 1–2 | Alternative to Fawry; identical service |
| Bank Misr / NBE ATM | ATM | No fee | Requires account at these banks |
| Distribution co. app | Official mobile | No fee | Region-specific; download the app for your governorate |
Fees may change. Always confirm at point of payment.
Prepaid vs. Postpaid Meter — Which Is Right for You?
Egypt offers both meter types. Here's how they compare for different situations.
| Aspect | Prepaid (Krimy) | Postpaid |
|---|---|---|
| Payment timing | Pay before you use | Bill every 3 months |
| Supply interruption | Cuts automatically at zero | No cut unless overdue 6+ months |
| Meter reader visits | None | Every 3 months |
| Emergency credit | 3–10 kWh buffer on most models | N/A |
| Budget control | Precise — you see balance daily | Estimate only; surprise bills possible |
| Best for | Rentals, vacant properties, expats | Stable households with large consumption |
| Switching cost | Usually free (national plan) | N/A (you already have one) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Egypt prepaid electricity meter tariff slabs reset monthly or per recharge?
Monthly — completely independent of individual recharges. The tariff tier is calculated on your total consumption from the 1st to the last day of the calendar month, regardless of how many times you topped up. Example: if you recharge 5 times in a month, your tier is calculated on all consumption since the 1st of that month — not from each recharge date. On the 1st of the next month, the counter resets to zero (Tier 1 again).
What is the meter MSN and where do I find it?
MSN (Meter Serial Number) is your meter's unique identifier — required for any recharge operation or communication with the electricity company. Find it at: (1) The side label on the meter body. (2) The screen itself: press the button several times until the 'S/N' or 'SERIAL' screen appears. (3) The original subscription contract. Save a photo of it on your phone to avoid returning to the meter every time.
The prepaid meter cut electricity and there's no credit — what do I do right now?
Immediate steps: (1) Check for emergency credit — press the largest button on the meter (or '0'/'EMERGENCY' button) and wait — in some models it activates 3–10 kWh emergency credit. (2) Recharge via Fawry on your mobile app even while at home. (3) If the network is down: go to the nearest electricity company branch. (4) In real medical emergencies: call the electricity company emergency line and state the situation.
Can you switch back from prepaid to a monthly bill meter?
Yes, but distribution companies rarely accept this. Procedure: submit a written request with justification (e.g., commercial need or difficulty accessing recharge points). The decision lies with the branch manager and varies by area. The general direction of Egyptian distribution companies: expanding prepaid meters, not reverting from them.
I accidentally recharged the wrong meter — how do I get a refund?
Contact the recharging point immediately (Fawry / electricity company) with: the recharge receipt + your correct meter MSN + the accidentally recharged MSN. Fawry has an official process for refunding incorrect payments — submit the complaint within 24 hours of the transaction for the fastest resolution. In some cases: if the other meter has already used the token, recovery may take longer.
The meter is making intermittent beeping sounds — what does it mean?
Causes of beeping in a prepaid meter: (1) Low balance (usually below 5 kWh) — recharge soon. (2) Emergency credit is active — more urgent. (3) Warning of an internal meter error (rare) — check the screen for the message. (4) In some models: a specific time of day reminds you of low balance. Immediate solution to beeping: recharge the meter.
How do I find my daily consumption rate from the meter?
Press the button until the 'kWh' or 'CONSUMPTION' screen appears — some models show total consumption since installation. The simplest method: record the balance in the morning then in the evening — the difference is the day's consumption in kWh. Multiply by the tariff tier price to get the day's cost. For precise tracking: use a mini clamp ammeter on each circuit to identify the biggest consumer.
What is the Sahl app and can I use it to recharge my prepaid meter?
Sahl (سهل) is Egypt's official government digital services app, developed as part of the Digital Egypt initiative. It allows residents to pay utility bills — including electricity prepaid top-ups — with no service fee. Available on iOS and Android. You'll need your meter MSN and a registered Egyptian mobile number linked to a payment method. It's particularly useful for expats and English-speaking residents because it's the official government channel and generates receipts useful for lease or administrative purposes.
Is a prepaid meter better than a postpaid meter for an expat or rental property in Egypt?
Yes, for most expats and landlords, prepaid is strongly preferable. With postpaid, a tenant can accumulate 3 months of unpaid bills before the landlord is notified — and the debt follows the property subscription, not the tenant. Prepaid eliminates this: supply cuts automatically at zero, so no accumulated debt is possible. The main drawback is that the meter cuts power if the tenant fails to top up — inconvenient but financially protected. For vacant properties, prepaid is also ideal: the meter simply stays at zero balance with no bills generating.
Which prepaid meter brands are installed in Egypt?
Egypt's distribution companies install meters from several manufacturers depending on the region and project: Hexing (HXE110, HXE115) is the most widespread in residential areas — small LCD screen with 4 buttons. Landis+Gyr E110 Prepaid is used in parts of Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt governorates. ADD Electricity Meters (locally manufactured by an Egyptian-Chinese joint venture) appear in some national housing projects. All models use the same 20-digit STS token standard, so recharge methods and error codes are consistent across brands.