Welcome to Nearly Free Energy - Reliable Power Microgrids
Hello, This is Aaron from Nearly Free Energy. We provide reliable electricity to neighbourhoods like yours.
Your landlady has agreed to work with us to bring reliable power to your neighborhood. This will be done in the a 3 phase process.
Phase 1: Smart Metering:
We will switch you from Yaka to Smart Meters. This is needed in order for us to monitor when UEDCL power goes off so that we can size your neighbourhood backup correctly.
Phase 2: Backup installation:
We will install the right sized battery backup so that when UEDCL goes off, you power remains on. These batteries will be charged when UEDCL is on so that they can be ready when UEDCL is off. This backup will come on automatically so you should not notice when UEDCL is off.
Phase 3: Solar Generation:
We will install solar panels on your roof to help charge the batteries when UEDCL is off for much longer periods like several weeks.
Frequently asked Questions
If Yaka is gone, how will I pay for power?
You will switched from prepaid to postpaid. This is the same way you pay for your water bill. You receive a monthly bill from us via SMS and you will have 5 days to pay the bill via Mobile Money, Visa or Mastercard.
How can I know how much I have used at anytime during the month?
Please contact us on our Whatsapp business account. We shall check your smart meter and share with you our usage.
What happens when I don't pay my monthly bill by the 5th day of the month?
Your smart meter will automatically turn off power to your house. Once you pay the bill, the meter automatically turns power back on.
When will Phase 1 be completed?
Phase 1 is currently in progress. We are targeting to complete phase 1 by end of this week.
When will Phase 2 be completed?
We are targetting to start Phase 2 in December 2025, I should be completed within a month depending on transport logistics of the batteries. They are being imported from supplier overseas.
When will Phase 3 be completed?
The timelines for Phase 3 are not yet determined but will likely be within 2026.
How much will I be paying for power?
The cost of power is determined by ERA (Electricity Regulatory Authority). You will be paying the domestic rate set here: https://www.uedcl.co.ug/approved-tariffs/ For a Domestic user like you, the current rate is 756.2 UGX per kWh (unit). You will be this fee per unit you use + VAT + monthly service charge (5320 UGX). All these charges existed on your Yaka bills. The only change here is that it's postpaid not prepaid.
What if I want to still pay using prepaid token like Yaka?
At this time, our system doesn't support this payment mode. But we think postpaid is better for most customers so we think you will find it more convenient than yaka tokens.
What happens to my current yaka balance and yaka meter?
UEDCL will entually reposes that yaka meter. The timelines for this are unclear. However please contact us and share your current Yaka balance, we will credit the units to your monthly bill for next month.
How can I contact you?
You can email us on team@nearlyFreeEnergy.com or Whatsapp us on 077