Power consumers expect
Apr 01, 2005
ELECTRICITY consumers will henceforth have to pay up to 24% more for the power they use. This, by any measure, is a big increment and will hurt many pockets.
ELECTRICITY consumers will henceforth have to pay up to 24% more for the power they use. This, by any measure, is a big increment and will hurt many pockets.
And, of course, there is likely to be increased levels of impatience if consumers are having to pay more, yet loadshedding and erratic billing continue in their old patterns.
But the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Umeme, the new national distributor, have promised that the new rates will translate into more efficient services. We shall hold them to their word.
There has been very little investment in the energy industry over the years, yet demand has increased several-fold. Uganda has been relying almost exclusively on hydroelectric power, and yet capacity at the single source has remained the same, while actual production has fallen. Investment in further hydroelectric capacity has been frustrated by a variety of reasons, while thermoelectricity has not been given serious thought till now.
Consumers will expect relief from thermal generation that is due to commence next month. Importation of some limited capacity from Kenya is also contributing to the national grid. Also these are good measures, but they are for the short-term. What will ultimately relieve the consumer and increase the customer base will be much greater production.
It is obvious that up till now, strategic planning in a sector as vital for economic and social growth as energy has been poor. Now, we have the promise of competent managers and efficient operators. But we wait to see what it is they will deliver.
If their plans come to fruition, the consumer will then happily pay for an efficient and ultimately cheaper service. But for now, consumers will give the ERA and Umeme the benefit of the doubt.
And, of course, there is likely to be increased levels of impatience if consumers are having to pay more, yet loadshedding and erratic billing continue in their old patterns.
But the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Umeme, the new national distributor, have promised that the new rates will translate into more efficient services. We shall hold them to their word.
There has been very little investment in the energy industry over the years, yet demand has increased several-fold. Uganda has been relying almost exclusively on hydroelectric power, and yet capacity at the single source has remained the same, while actual production has fallen. Investment in further hydroelectric capacity has been frustrated by a variety of reasons, while thermoelectricity has not been given serious thought till now.
Consumers will expect relief from thermal generation that is due to commence next month. Importation of some limited capacity from Kenya is also contributing to the national grid. Also these are good measures, but they are for the short-term. What will ultimately relieve the consumer and increase the customer base will be much greater production.
It is obvious that up till now, strategic planning in a sector as vital for economic and social growth as energy has been poor. Now, we have the promise of competent managers and efficient operators. But we wait to see what it is they will deliver.
If their plans come to fruition, the consumer will then happily pay for an efficient and ultimately cheaper service. But for now, consumers will give the ERA and Umeme the benefit of the doubt.