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On Wednesday, October 2, a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) posted a query about the best time of the month to buy Yaka.
Another user responded: "I always buy on the 1st of the month, and I usually receive more units. However, every time I pay, I find an outstanding balance of 3,999/- 😏 Oba zaki."
The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), the statutory body regulating the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, export, and import of electricity in Uganda, responded to the post: "It is a myth to think that there is a favourable time to buy Yaka units. The domestic tariff is structured as follows and applies across the month: Domestic consumers benefit from the Life Line Tariff package, where they enjoy the first 15 units purchased in the month at UGX 250 per kWh. From the 16th to the 80th unit, each is priced at UGX 803. If a consumer purchases more than 80 units in a month, UGX 412 is charged from the 81st to the 150th unit under the 'Fumbisa Yaka' campaign to promote electric cooking."
Another user added: "Inconsistency is the only challenge. The Life Line package is no longer discussed, even at the three tariff days, including service fees."
A different user explained: "Lifeline units are for customers whose average monthly purchases over the previous six months fall below 100 units. The service fee (UGX 3,360) is paid monthly. If you have enough units from a previous month to last you through subsequent months, you will still pay service fees for any months when you didn't purchase new units. [I hope this clarifies.]"
Another person shared their experience: "There is a lot of inconsistency with this Lifeline package. I have been overcharged for several months... if the tariff even really exists."
One user simply commented: "It doesn't matter."
Another user suggested: "Pay a small amount before the 10th to clear the service charge, then make a larger purchase between the 11th and 30th to get more units."
Read: Is your fridge over-consuming Yaka? Here are 10 ways to improve it's energy efficiency
Another observed: "Pay twice. First, make a small Yaka purchase; the service fee will be deducted, and you'll receive a few units. Then, for the second payment, buy as many units as you need. You often get bonus units; for instance, 100k comes with 30 bonus units."
Another comment read: "Regardless of the timing, the first 15 units are charged at around 600 shillings per unit, and subsequent units cost around 1k per unit. So, a 10k initial purchase might get you about 15 units, while later purchases may only give you around 10 units."
Despite what social media users say, the best advice on when to buy Yaka remains that provided by ERA.