The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda recently shared updates on the annual tariff and rates for the first quarter of 2024, covering January to March. Dr. Sarah Kanaabi, Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority Board, made the announcement at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
Dr. Kanaabi revealed that electricity tariffs were approved with a 1.6% reduction, translating to a significant saving of UGX 40.321 billion for consumers. She pointed out that these decisions were based on various factors, including the expected commissioning of the Karuma Hydro Power Plant later in the year.
Addressing ongoing preparations for a smooth transition of the distribution network to a new operator by the end of the Umeme concession in March 2025, Dr. Kanaabi highlighted the Authority’s commitment to ensuring a seamless process.
For domestic consumers, the cost of the first 15 units remains at Shs 250 per unit, while there is a 1% reduction for units beyond the lifeline (16-80), now priced at Shs 797.
In the commercial sector, tariffs have been reduced from 611 shillings and eight cents to 600 shillings and six cents per unit, marking a 1.8% decline. Medium industrial consumers will experience a 2.8% reduction, with tariffs dropping from 461 shillings and eight cents to 448 shillings and seven cents.
Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, speaking during the Tariff announcement for Q1 2024, emphasized the Authority’s focus on making electricity more affordable through the realized tariff reduction in this quarter. It’s noteworthy that there were reductions in tariffs for large and extra-large industrial consumers, except for street lights, which remain unchanged at Shs 370 per unit.