In a move to side with electricity consumers, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has today directed electricity distribution firm UMEME to stop unauthorized Yaka deductions. This follows complaints from the population to ERA where consumers expressed their dissatisfaction with illegal charges being deducted from their Prepaid (Yaka) vended amounts in March and April 2021.
In a letter dated 13th April 2021 to UMEME, ERA said “This uncommunicated action has left with fewer energy units compared to what is expected based on the approved tariff structure.”
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By adjusting monthly lifeline units and imposing fixed recoverable amounts on consumers UMEME Limited has been implementing a tariff structure different from what was approved by the regulator and is in violation of the Electricity Act 1999 according to ERA.
ERA has with immediate effect to “immediately stop” this action as it continues to conduct investigations into the matter.

