Aiming at modernizing the country's electricity infrastructure, the Ministry of Energy, led by Ruth Nankabirwa, has declared a decisive deadline for the phasing-out of outdated Yaka payment meters. This electrifying development is set to usher in a new era of efficiency and flexibility in Uganda's prepaid electric metering system.
In line with global advancements, Uganda is bidding farewell to the traditional Yaka system, embracing the cutting-edge Standard Transfer Specification technology.
What's the buzz around this new standard? Well, it's not just a meter; it's a game-changer! Consumers can seamlessly switch electricity payments between different utility providers, putting the power back in the hands of the people.
During a press conference held at the Uganda Media Centre, Ruth Nankakbirwa charmed journalists with the revelation that prepaid electricity users must hop on the tech train and migrate to the new system by October 2024.
Say goodbye to the old Token Identifiers (TID), as the new Token Identification System (TID Rollover) takes center stage, promising a smoother experience for purchasing power units.
But why the urgency? Nankabirwa clarified that the move is part of the government's commitment to making electricity more accessible and affordable for all. In his year-end address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of reducing electricity costs to boost Uganda's industrialization and global competitiveness.
In a bid to make this vision a reality, President Museveni directed the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development to slash the cost of power for manufacturers. The goal? A jaw-dropping reduction to 5 cents per dollar or 185 Shillings per unit, down from the previous 8.7 cents per dollar or 321 Shillings per unit.
On the YAKA issue, On 22nd May 2020, the Standard Transfer Specification Association (STS), the manufacturers of prepaid meters issued a critical notice affecting all STS prepayment meter users including electricity utility suppliers. https://t.co/aH1n7Bkftq pic.twitter.com/NJn2SFPzMf
— Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu (@NankabirwaRS) January 6, 2024
