Prepaid electricity meters have become the most reliable and transparent method of managing tenant electricity consumption in Uganda. Whether you own rentals, apartments, arcades, hostels, or commercial buildings, installing prepaid sub-meters helps you eliminate unpaid bills, stop power theft, and ensure tenants pay only for the power they use.

This 2025 full guide explains the real installation costs, types of prepaid meters, best brands, common challenges, and how to choose the right system for your property.

What Is a Prepaid Electricity Meter?

A prepaid electricity meter (also called a sub-meter) allows tenants to buy electricity units before using power. This eliminates the traditional postpaid billing model where landlords must chase tenants for payments.

With prepaid metering:

  • Tenants pay before consumption
  • Landlords avoid losses
  • Power usage is accurate and transparent
  • Illegal connections are minimized
  • Consumption is easier to track

Prepaid metering works similarly to UEDCL LIGHT, but for private properties.

Why Landlords Are Switching to Prepaid Meters in Uganda

Ugandan landlords face common challenges:

✔ Tenants refusing to pay monthly bills
✔ Illegal connections
✔ Disputes over usage
✔ Overloading and damaged circuits
✔ Landlords paying unpaid tenant bills
✔ Tenants moving out without clearing bills

A prepaid system solves all of these because:

  • The meter automatically stops power when units are finished
  • Tenants must load before using
  • Usage is accurately recorded
  • No arguments about “high bills”
  • No need for monthly follow-up
  • Landlord revenue becomes predictable

By 2025, over 70% of new apartment buildings are installing prepaid systems from the start.

Cost of Installing a Prepaid Electricity Meter in Uganda (2025 Prices)

Actual installation cost depends on brand, type of meter, and building design.
Below are standard market prices for Uganda in 2025.

Single-Phase Prepaid Meter Prices (For Rentals & Homes)

UGX 500,000 inclusive of inspection & intallation

Used in:

  • Single rentals
  • Small apartments
  • Shops
  • Small offices
  • Hostels

Three-Phase Prepaid Meter Prices (For Apartments & Commercial Use)

UGX 3,000,000

Used in:

  • Large apartments
  • Arcades
  • High-power buildings
  • Industrial machines
  • Lifts, boilers, motors

These meters handle higher loads and require professional installation.

Smart / IoT Prepaid Meters (AMI Systems)

UGX 1,000,000 – UGX 8,500,000
depending on features:

  • Remote monitoring
  • Load control
  • Online vending
  • Real-time consumption alerts
  • Anti-tamper alarms

These are the best choice for modern properties.