Electricity in Cameroon: 15,000 smart meters for public buildings by 2025 ⚡

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As part of the Electricity Sector Recovery Plan in Cameroon (ESRPC), the government has announced the installation of smart meters. This initiative aims to modernize the sector and reduce consumption-related costs.

Modernizing the sector 🏗️

Cameroon plans to install nearly 17,000 metering points in administrative buildings and 15,000 smart meters. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, seeks to improve the management of low-voltage networks and public lighting.

These new meters will allow for better monitoring of electricity consumption in public buildings. According to Eneo officials, the devices will ensure fairer billing and reduce energy waste. The integrated metering system in a smart meter is designed to accurately measure energy consumption using digital technology. The sensors and measurement techniques employed vary depending on the type of energy being monitored.

How do they work? ⁉️

For electricity meters, sensors measure voltage and current. These values are multiplied to calculate electricity consumption (in watts). By tracking this consumption, the meter determines the total electricity usage (in kilowatt-hours).

Smart gas and water meters use flow sensors to measure the volume of gas or water passing through the meter. These sensors rely on various technologies, such as ultrasonic waves, turbines, or diaphragms. Energy consumption is then calculated based on the measured volume and the energy value of the resource in question.

Once consumption is recorded, an integrated communication module transmits the data to the electricity, gas, or water company.

Support amid financial challenges 💸

However, this modernization effort comes in the context of strained financial relations between the State and Eneo. The Cameroonian government owes Eneo approximately 120 billion FCFA. Meanwhile, Eneo acknowledges partial payments of 57.8 billion FCFA in 2023. These financial issues have delayed the project slated for 2025.

Despite these challenges, the project enjoys support from international donors and remains a priority to strengthen transport and distribution infrastructure.

Towards better energy management 🌍

In addition to smart meters, the recovery plan includes other important measures, such as modernizing source substations and leveraging digital tools for better commercial management.

These initiatives aim to make the electricity sector more transparent and efficient, addressing energy needs while reducing losses.

Thanks to these innovations, Cameroon is heading toward more modern and responsible energy management. This transformation, though ambitious, is essential to lowering costs, conserving resources, and meeting citizens’ expectations.

Do you think the installation of smart meters is an effective solution for reducing costs and improving energy management in Cameroon? Share your thoughts in the comments!