Developing a Yaka App that Allows Remote payment and instant power connection

Abstract

Yaka is a prepaid metering system that is employed by UMEME, Uganda’s power distribution company that allows consumers to purchase electricity units; and manage their electricity usage and expenses more efficiently. Once the user purchases power, they are provided with a 20- digit token which they punch into the customer user interface (CUI). These CUIs are location specific and they don’t enable remote connection. With the current use of GSM technology by the mobile phone service networks and the digital television companies to monitor their customers and enable them to remotely enjoy their respective services: we seek to implement such an application in the Yaka system whereby the customer can monitor their power remotely. This paper discusses the concept of GSM technology and how it can be implemented as an efficient alternative in pre-paid electricity. Based on research we propose a mobile application that can harness the potential and capability of the GSM technology implementation in prepaid electricity. This report covers a study of the existing Yaka system in Uganda and its challenges and highlights how the mobile application through the GSM technology can solve them. Furthermore, the report provides a walkthrough on how the application has been implemented using the solidity programming language and the GSM- based metering point. My analysis highlights the conclusion of the application of its ability to enable remote control by the customer and the necessary recommendations to ensure its security and reliability.