Why smart meter adoption in Africa lacks cohesion

Throughout Africa, specifically the sub-Saharan Africa region, utilities and municipalities often attribute non-technical losses to an extensive list of challenges. In response to these challenges, strategic revenue collection methods such as the deployment of smart meters has risen. But has adoption been successful?In this region, the power industry is characterised by regular blackouts, theft and fraud, and inefficient energy management. Furthermore, efficient customer service appears to be difficult to attain as utilities grapple with inaccurate invoicing and revenue losses. Smart electricity metering seems to be an effective solution to most of these challenges.

This article is a brief analysis of the challenges and possible solutions to smart electricity metering in Africa. It is based on documentary reviews, supplemented by an interview between Simulation Consultants and industry experts.

Many African countries have been engaging in several initiatives to make smart metering a reality. Such initiatives include changes in the legal framework, development of new business strategies, and adjustments in funding applications to include smart metering at a business level.

Advanced Metering Infrastructures (AMI) and smart grids are significant developments paving the way for smart metering at the technological level. As much as all of these initiatives are welcome, they are not by themselves comprehensive solutions. Considering the fragmented nature of adoption, reactionary deployments and the level of ambiguity on smart meter definitions, we conclude that a holistic approach to smart metering in Africa is needed.