Transition in Uganda’s Electricity Meters: New Era Begins November 2024
Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, announced that prepaid electricity meters, commonly known as “yaka,” will expire by November 24, 2024, due to outdated software. UEDCL is upgrading these meters to ensure continuous service, extending their lifespan to November 2054.
In January, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, announced that by November 24, 2024, the prepaid electricity meters, commonly known as “yaka,” will cease to provide electricity due to outdated software, with electricity distribution transitioning to new meters.
“This situation is comparable to the early 2000s when the ‘Millennium Bug’ or Y2K Bug a flaw in computer systems was predicted to cause widespread issues in computers and networks globally after December 31, 1999,” stated Jonan Kiiza, the spokesperson for the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
Mr. Kiiza explained, “All our meters have a 30-year lifespan. Starting from November 24, 1993, they reach their 30-year mark on November 24, 2024.” He further elaborated, “This means that any meter not upgraded by midnight on November 24, 2024, will reset to 00, rendering the data faulty and the meter obsolete.”
Mr. Kiiza assured that, since last year, UEDCL has been extending the life of these meters by conducting necessary upgrades to prevent such issues. He noted that this meter upgrade is part of a global initiative to enhance the functionality of prepaid electricity billing meters. “We have successfully extended the lifespan of these meters to November 11, 2054. The upgraded meters are already with customers.”
“Yaka is merely a brand name; there are various other prepaid meters, although yaka remains the most prevalent,” Kiiza clarified.
In 2022, the Cabinet resolved not to renew any concessions held by private entities within the electricity supply industry. As part of this directive, UEDCL is in the process of reclaiming operations previously outsourced to UMEME Limited and has submitted applications to the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) for licenses to distribute and sell electricity in Uganda.
