Meter Reading

Hand held computer set for meter readingUmeme uses a computerised meter reading system in Kampala area district, namely: Banda, Nateete, Najjanankumbi, Bugolobi, Wandegeya, Kabalagala, Mpigi, Entebbe, Nakulabye, Kampala Central. From February 2004, Umeme meter readers use hand-held computers to read customers' meters.

The benefits of the computerised meter reading system are:

• Accuracy of meter reading
• More accurate bills
• Reduction in bill estimations
• Reduction in billing delays
• More customer meters will be read
• The Umeme customer database will be improved
• Improved customer care.

Appeal to Customers

• Give meter readers access to your premises
• If in doubt, ask for staff identification
• Do not pay any money to Umeme staff for taking meter readings
• The programme for the installation of computerised meters is still in progress

1. Upon payment and connection, the customer's details will be input into the computer system. This will create a database on the customer to include such things as the Name, Account number, Location, Meter number, Reference (Walk-Order) number, Service type, connection date etc.
   
   
2. Documents are raised so as to instruct the system to start billing the customer, and after 30 days, the customer's first bill will be produced. This bill will be estimated.
   
   
3. A meter reader will visit the premise on a monthly basis and bills will be produced and delivered according to this reading.
   
   
4. When the meter reader reaches a customer's premise, he/she will identify the meter number and see that it corresponds with the one on the schedule. The reading on the meter is then written on the schedule in the column for current reading. The reading date is also indicated.
   
   
5. If a meter reader is unable to gain access to the property (eg gate locked; dog won't let meter reader in) or can not obtain reading due to technical difficulty (meter faulty, tampered or disconnected, etc) the meter reader notes this and submits the information on a form. An estimated bill is prepared in the case of lack of access. If deliberate tampering has occurred, Umeme will inform the appropriate authorities and disconnection and severe penalties will be incurred. All readings are submitted within a set time frame.
   
   
6. The meter reader's completed paperwork is submitted and Umeme produces the bill for delivery to the customer for payment.

DO NOT TAMPER WITH METER SEALS

• An energy meter is an instrument used by the company to measure how much electricity has been used at the customer's premises.
• A meter should have at least three seals fixed by an authorized person from Umeme
  • One seal on the terminal cover
  • Two seals on the main cover.
• Seals fixed to meters must not be broken and it is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that they are kept intact.
• The consumer is responsible for any loss or damage to the meter or equipment belonging to the company on his/her premises.
• The readings of the meter or meters provided by the company, should in the absence of fraud, be evidence of the quantity of electricity used.
• If a customer questions a meter's accuracy, they can pay a small fee and request a test of the equipment.
• If the meter has ceased to record or has not registered accurately with proof that it was not tampered with, then a new meter will be installed and all unregistered consumption will be estimated on the basis of the consumption during the corresponding period when the meter was last in good working order.
• If a meter ceases to record properly due to tampering, the consumer will be charged for a new meter together with the energy loss during the period it was not registering properly.
• The customer shall allow the company's authorized employee access to the premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting, testing, repairing, reading, connecting or disconnecting the meter and for delivering the bill.