High time KPLC adopted technology

The announcement by Kenya Power Lighting Company (KPLC) that the company is adopting new payment methods came at the right time.

KPLC CEO Don Priestman said that the company will use mobile phone mode of payment mainly through Celtel’s me2u service. Soon, I am sure the service will expand to Safaricom’s Mpesa, which has a larger user base.

If the bill is payable through Mpesa or Me2u, then it will ease the queues and power disconnections. It is great that KPLC has decided to move with the times.

The 2008/2009 budget set aside KSh1.75 billion to expand and modernize the transmission system at KPLC in the next one year. The ministry of energy has also allowed the power company to borrow money from the financial markets and fast-track the targeted one million new power connections in the next one year.

With easier payment methods, I am sure the rural folks will not have to walk long distances to pay the bills; it can be done quickly and from the comfort of the home.