What Does STS Mean?

STS stands for Standard Transfer Specification — the global standard for prepaid electricity metering, widely used across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. An STS prepaid meter lets customers buy electricity with a 20-digit token, enter it on the keypad, and load credit directly into the meter. No smart grid, no internet connection and no collection route required.

How a Keypad Prepaid Meter Works

The workflow is simple and proven in millions of installations:

• The utility or landlord generates a token from a vending system (POS, mobile money, or online platform).
• The customer keys the 20-digit token into the meter keypad.
• The meter validates the token with its built-in STS algorithm and loads the kWh credit.
• When credit runs low, the meter beeps or displays a warning — no surprise disconnections.

Why Distributors Choose STS Prepaid Meters

For utilities and property managers, prepaid metering eliminates debt collection entirely. For distributors, STS meters are a stable, repeatable business: every new housing project, rental property or estate is a fresh order. Because the STS standard is international, one certified product line can serve many markets.

What to Check Before You Buy

• STS certification: the meter must carry a valid STS association certificate and key expiry beyond 2030.
• Tamper protection: terminal cover detection and relay disconnect on open cover.
• Vending compatibility: confirm the meter works with your local vending system or ask the factory for a turn-key solution.
• After-sales support: firmware updates, spare parts and technical response time.

RuiZhi Electric is a source factory producing STS keypad prepaid meters in our own plant in Wenzhou, China — every meter is calibrated and strictly tested before packing. MOQ from 1 PC, OEM/ODM supported. Contact us for a quotation and free sample arrangement.