Uganda Targets 1 Million New Electricity Connections with Meter Testing Underway

The Ugandan government is making significant strides towards expanding electricity access with its ambitious Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP). A crucial phase of this initiative is currently underway, involving the quality testing of more than 270,000 prepaid electricity meters by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

These meters are destined for deployment by key distributors including Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), West Nile Rural Electrification Company (Wenreco), and Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS). The EASP, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the World Bank, seeks to provide electricity to one million new households, businesses, and public institutions nationwide.

According to Ms. Sylvia Birungi, the EASP Connections Manager, the UNBS testing is a vital step to ensure that all meters meet stringent national standards for accuracy and performance before reaching consumers. “Once certified, the meters will support the accelerated connection of customers,” she stated, emphasizing that this process will help clear a backlog of pending applications.

The project has already facilitated approximately 235,000 new electricity connections. The ongoing meter certification and procurement of associated materials are expected to dramatically increase the pace of new connections in the coming months. The Ministry plans a continuous testing and certification process, allowing certified meters to be progressively supplied to utilities rather than waiting for the entire batch.

Mr. Robert Mubiru, the EASP Project Manager, confirmed that UEDCL has received a substantial consignment of 150,000 single-phase prepaid meters and connection materials. With these advancements, the EASP is well-positioned to significantly accelerate its implementation and bring the benefits of electricity to more Ugandans.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-pushes-for-1-million-new-power-connections-5564254