17% of generated electricity is lost in theft

Sam Zimbe, the deputy Managing Director UMEME has said about 17% of the power that the company gets is lost through theft and the company's focus is to reduce that level.

"One percent reduction in losses equate to about $3m so the impact is huge to the economy, to consumer. We believe that we can reduce those loses but we have to work with public; legislative framework must be proper. The Judiciary has done its work to have a special court for those caught stealing power," he stated.

During the sidelines of the public hearing meeting organised by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Zimbe explained that this year, court has addressed over 20 cases related to power fraud.

"Over a year ago, we were experiencing a lot of power theft in Bugisu area, Mbale. 60% of the power that was dispatched in that area was lost to power theft but I am glad to tell you that with alliance with local leaders, we have reduced those loses up to about 35%,"he noted.

George Rwabajungu, the manager corporate services at the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited highlighted on some of the challenges facing the company in power transmission such as vandalism of lines especially in Mabira Forest, court injunctions and delay in remittance of funds by the Government.
 
He also highlighted on some of the company's achievement in 2017 such as the commissioning of the Queens Way substation, Fort portal substation and maintenance of transmission grid availability by 98%.