Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has marked 100 days after taking over electricity distribution from Umeme in April this year, emphasizing stability in power supply across the country since the takeover.
Giving an account of their first 100 days, UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa said they have reached great milestones since taking over from Umeme over three months ago.
“We have managed to achieve stability in the vending and billing system, and our customers have not experienced any material issues. The cash collection is at 104%. That’s good progress for a good institution and distributor in general,” Mwesigwa said.
“We are creating a healthy energy sector. We have paid 100% of our bills, and generators can be financed. Total payments to the transmitter since the takeover in April are Shs220 billion, already paid to UETCL. With the few activities we’ve done so far, we’ve demonstrated improved reliability, and overall, by the end of June, it stands at 97.7% compared to 97.1% in March.”
According to Paul Mwesigwa, they have replaced about 116 outdated transformers, noting that they will soon replace more.
“There are more transformers failing, and we’re going to install more than 518 transformers so that people get a steady supply and good voltage,” Mwesigwa said.
He noted that they have streamlined the procurement process with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) to ensure the process of acquiring new transformers is efficient.
“If you need a transformer, the process is very easy, and you shouldn’t expect significant delays in our service delivery.”
The UEDCL boss said they have maintained the call center, and all channels of communication are available.
The UEDCL Managing Director said that as part of their ongoing efforts, they have started upgrading the network to solve the problems of load shedding.
Mwesigwa said they have established overload but also worked on some lines like the Kawanda-Matugga, Mbarara North transformer, Kabale-Kisoro, and Kakiri.
“We’re seeing stability in those areas.”
He, however, said they have also identified 11 critical substations that are loaded over 80%, noting that this causes load shedding in areas served by these substations.
Mwesigwa said they are working on solving this problem.
Commenting on the progress of UEDCL’s work, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa hailed the company for proving the naysayers wrong.
“The country has not plunged into darkness as many had thought. We’re moving forward with supplying and selling power. UEDCL has paid 100% for the power it has bought. This is successful execution of the job,” Nankabirwa said.
“I’m proud of UEDCL’s first 100 days. My ministry will continue to support UEDCL to ensure it’s fit for the job.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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