Gadget to simplify payment for Luku services coming
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) in collaboration with Baobao Energy System Tanzania have developed a software that will enable direct connection of power to meter immediately after payments are made without touching it.
Currently, once a customer pays for electricity, one is supposed to key in codes that allow connection to occur. The new software is currently under final trial before it is put to use next February. Customers will need to have smart meters for the software to work.
“This system will help reduce inconveniences including the need to physically key in the codes one receives after purchasing power,” said Baobao general manager Hashimu Ibrahim yesterday when briefing Tanesco board members who paid a visit to the offices.
The company, launched earlier this year, plans to start manufacturing Luku meters in 2020, a move that will cut imports of the devices, all geared to support the industrialisation agenda.
He said the company will spend Sh500 million on engagement with other contractors so as to complete the system on time.
For his part, Tanesco Board chairman Alexander Kyaruzi said the demand for Luku meters stands at 300,000 per year. “The new software will be useful to Tanesco and customers as well,” said Dr Kyaruzi.
He said currently importing Luku meters makes them expensive, while they take long to arrive in the country. “We’re impressed by the plans of this local firm, particularly that of manufacturing Luku meters in the country,” he said.
