Security module encoding procedure

Eskom is contracted by the STS Association to maintain a STS Key Management Centre (KMC) on behalf of all our Vending Suppliers. Due to the number of supply group codes that we are managing and the associated cost involved, we have put the following processes in place.

Service Provided

The service would include the following:

  • 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. Please note that 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 manufacturer/s. Please note that the physical loading of the key cards needs to take place in Eskom’s KMC in Midrand.

Process

In order for Eskom to provide the most effective service, the following process will be followed:

Supply Group Codes

If a Supply Group Code does not yet exist for a new geographical area, the Municipality must provide a detailed list with the names of the Supply Group Codes that are required. If the particular Supply Group Code already exists, this request does not have to be repeated.

Supply Group Codes are currently Managed by the Eskom Key Management Centre is physically situated at Eskom Midrand. Please contact Charmaine Nomandla at the KMC if you would like to start a new Supply Group in your area. Also refer to the Methodology for the selection of Supply Group sizes.

To request a new Supply Group Code, use the Supply Group Code request form

Coding requests

Coding requests (for security modules and key cards) must be submitted on an official Security module coding Request Form ( Microsoft Excel format). This document should be forwarded with the security module to the KMC. Please ensure that the form is fully completed i.e. all requested information is provided such as the Supply Group Code and Description, and that the form is signed, etc. In addition, please provide the “physical” return address and not the postal address. Security modules that are defective or cannot be loaded will be returned to the Supplier that has made the request. Key file requests may be directed to: [email protected].

Also note that encoded modules will not be returned unless we have received authorization from the Supply Group owner that the party requesting the codes are indeed authorised to do so. This may result in delays if some coding authorizations are outstanding. Also see the further description in the next paragraph.

All coding requests are to be authorised by the Supply Group Owner (i.e. usually the supply authority) before it is submitted for coding. This is required as the coding process will provide the requester with the capability to produce electricity tokens for your area. And the owner must therefore confirm that the requesting party may do so. The security modules will be coded when the authorised forms are received at the KMC. The supply Group owner can authorize somebody else (like a meter manufacturer to request Supply Groups on his behalf. This authorization may be once-off or valid for a certain period of time. Please use the SGC Authorization Form for this purpose (Acrobat (PDF) format / Rich Text (RTF) format). Please ensure that the form is completed properly and that it is signed.

New security modules

All security modules need to be sent to Eskom for initialisation and coding. An agreement between the supplier of the vending equipment and the Municipality, to ensure that the security modules are sent to Eskom, will have to be put in place. A 3.5″ disk containing the key file will be supplied with every security module, and sent back to either the Municipality or vending equipment supplier, depending on the request.

Repaired security modules

When a security module fails and the fault can be repaired, the security module will have to be re-coded. An agreement will have to be put in place between the municipality and the supplier of the vending equipment to ensure that these repaired security modules are sent to Eskom for re-coding. A disk containing the key file will be supplied and sent back with the re-coded security module.

Security modules to be re-coded

Should a Municipality require any vending key for a particular Supply Group Code to be added or removed from a security module, the security module will need to be sent to Eskom to implement the desired change. A disk containing the changed key file will be supplied and sent with the security modules.

Key cards for meter manufacturers

The municipality must ensure that the appointed STS meter manufacturers are instructed to obtain the relevant key cards from Eskom, in order to program the meters with the meter keys. Eskom will ship the key cards to the STS meter manufacturer/s specified by the Municipality.

Key management function

Eskom is offering to operate a key management system on behalf of any Municipality (local or non-South African), including all services outlined in point 1 above. Encoding will be done at fixed prices for the following services: (Please contact Eskom for further details and prices.)

Security modules (including disks with key files) / Bull terminals

Charged per security module for every time it is initialized, coded or re-coded. (Prices exclude VAT and any courier costs to or from Eskom). All urgent coding (coding requested for any other day than the normal coding day) will double the cost. Faulty modules will be returned to sender at half the coding price.

Encoded key cards / smart cards

Charged per encoded key card / replacement key card for every time it is coded. (Prices exclude VAT and any courier costs to or from Eskom.)

Courier costs

All courier costs are excluded from above prices. Eskom is willing to appoint a suitable courier on the vending equipment supplier’s behalf, or could come to some agreement with the vending equipment supplier that the module or keycard is destined for. Eskom would settle all courier costs directly and invoice the vending equipment supplier with documentary evidence of actual costs incurred.

Coding schedule

Coding is only conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, under normal circumstances. Urgent requests will be completed on these days as well, provided that the urgent requests are reasonable i.e. the number of urgent requests don’t exceed normal requests!

It is imperative that modules be forwarded to Eskom in advance. The KMC does not operate on a just-in-time principle. Modules cannot be coded whenever required as we are limited by the performance of the system as well as our resources. However, we understand the nature of the environment and will endeavor to load security modules a.s.a.p. Please take cognisance of the fact that the KMC is just one of several functions performed by this Department.

To ease bottlenecks, we urge you to inform the KMC of unusually large requests (20 security modules or more) at least a week in advance of shipment. The coding software in use has a limited turnaround time (25 modules per day with a dedicated coder) so an early warning would assist in planning thereby reducing any delays.

Price basis

This quotation is subject to payment within thirty (30) days from receipt of a valid invoice.

All non-South African prices are subject to fluctuations in the USD/ZAR exchange rate. Payment from non-South African authorities will be effected in South Africa in USD into a nominated Eskom Bank Account at the USD / ZAR exchange rate ruling on the date of the invoice. Local vending equipment suppliers will be effected in South Africa in ZAR into a nominated Eskom Bank Account.

Eskom will invoice the Municipality or vending equipment Supplier on a monthly basis for any services rendered during that month.

Consequential losses

Eskom must be indemnified of any liability, including any consequential losses or damages suffered by any party, as a result of supplying this service.

Contact details

The contact person for queries related to this service is:

Charmaine Nomandla or directly at [email protected] (See the contact persons list for additional contact details)

Outstanding issues

Import / export permits in the case of non-South African Municipalities

The vending equipment supplier will have to ensure that all government regulations are met in terms of import / export permits.

Import / export charges in the case of non-South African Municipalities

The vending equipment supplier need to ensure that the import / export charges (if any) are identified and arrangements made that they are settled.