Umeme, the leading electricity distributor in Uganda, is currently undergoing a nationwide upgrade of its prepaid electricity meters, known as Yaka meters. This upgrade, which began in Kampala and is set to extend to other parts of the country by the end of February 2024, involves transitioning to a new Token Identification System. The move is necessary as the current system, based on Standard Transfer Specification (STS) technology, will no longer accept new credit tokens after November 2024 due to the expiration of vending codes.
Some customers have expressed concerns about their electricity units depleting more quickly since the upgrade process began. However, Umeme’s spokesperson, Mr. Peter Kaujju, has refuted these claims, stating that there is no correlation between the speed of the meters and the upgrade. He emphasized that failure to upgrade the meters by November 2024 would result in the inability to vend electricity.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has also weighed in on the matter, asserting that Umeme’s metering system upgrade is not to blame for any issues experienced by customers. ERA CEO Eng Ziria Tibalwa Waako suggested that customers facing problems may be using substandard meters or may simply be unfamiliar with the new system, particularly if they were previously on postpaid plans.
Eng Waako explained that customers dissatisfied with their Yaka meters’ performance can request evaluation by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). If a meter is found to be faulty, Umeme will replace it at no cost to the consumer. However, if the meter is deemed to be functioning correctly, the complainant will incur a penalty.
Umeme’s transition from postpaid to prepaid plans aims to improve transparency and help customers manage their energy usage more effectively. Previously, under the postpaid plan, customers could use electricity for about a month before receiving a bill. However, this system had drawbacks as users often exceeded their energy budgets due to limited oversight of usage and costs.
