Analyzing Factors That Are Associated With the Use of the Newly Installed Prepaid Metering System (Yaka): Case study of Kira Town

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with the newly installed prepaid metering system YAKA in central Uganda,case study Kira town.The study was carried out specifically to find out if the level of income associated with YAKA,if the education level is associated with the use of YAKA and if the individual level of income affects their perception on YAKA. The study used a descriptive research design when analysing the factors associated with the use of prepaid metering electricity system in Kira Town.Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed in the study .Stratified sampling was used to obtain the number of respondents per division.Results show that;the higher the level of monthly income,the higher the acceptability level of the prepaid system.It was also found that the level of education influences the individual perception on the prepaid electricity metering system and hence the higher the level of education,the higher the acceptability level of this system and hence high usage.Finally it was established that individuals awareness of the unit cost and also the number of units an individual purchases have an effect on the acceptability level of this prepaid electricity metering system and therefore its usage. It is recommended that more public education about YAKA,the newly installed prepaid metering system should be done to encourage more males in Kira town to subscribe to this electricity system.It is also recommended that since unit costs of the system are not acceptable then Umeme Ltd Uganda's electricity distributor should revise them to find a friendly cost for all individuals of various statuses.