Design and development of an information management system for electricity payment in UMEME yaka meters

Abstract

This project report addresses the inefficiencies in manual electricity unit loading in UMEME’s Yaka metering system by developing an advanced information management system aligned with Uganda's development goals. The existing method requires users to manually input a 20- digit token into the Customer Interface Unit (CIU), which is prone to errors and inconvenience, especially during periods of unit shortage. To resolve these issues, we proposed a GSM-based system for automatic and remote activation of electricity units, thereby eliminating the need for physical interaction with the CIU. This solution utilizes an 8-bit RISC Atmel ATMEGA328P-PU microcontroller interfaced with a SIM800L quad-band GSM modem. The system employs current and voltage sensors to continuously monitor energy usage and automatically updates the meter balance based on cellular messages received upon payment. Research methods including observation, interviews, and literature review were employed to gather relevant insights and inform the design of the technological solution. A functional prototype was developed and tested, demonstrating the capability to automatically load tokens and meet the project’s objectives. This innovative approach supports Uganda’s strategic goals of technological advancement, economic growth, and sustainable development. By modernizing the electricity metering infrastructure, this project significantly contributes to the enhancement of operational efficiency and the facilitation of socio-economic progress in Uganda.