By Ibrahim Kasita
NEGOTIATIONS over the high prices of electric poles in the West Nile region have started, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has said.
Frank Sebbowa, the ERA chief executive officer, disclosed last week that he had received proposals from the West Nile Electrification Company (WENRECO), detailing the pricing methods.
This follows complaints that WENRECO was charging exorbitant prices for electric poles to new consumers.
But ERA is asking the firm to subsidise the cost for the consumers so that they are not prohibitive for new connections.
WENRECO, the firm licensed to genERAte and distribute electricity in the region, charges between sh1.5m and sh2m for an electric pole, threatening the Government’s programme of rural electrification.
“We are meeting to resolve the pricing issue. “in fact I received proposals from them (WENRECO),” Sebbowa said.
A source privy to WENRECO’s opERAtions confirmed that they met with the regulator to discuss the contentious pole charges.
The source explained that fuel prices were up. He said there was need for revenue sustainability for the business to survive.
“The prices we are charging reflect true costs we incur in buying, transporting, installing, labour and wiring the poles,” the source said.
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