The impact of the domestic prepaid meter on revenue generation: a case of ZETDC (Gweru) from 2012 to 2014

Abstract

The study sought to evaluate the impact of the domestic prepaid meter on revenue generation at Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) focusing on Gweru urban district. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of prepaid meter system on revenue generation and to offer recommendations based on research findings to help ZETDC improve its revenue generation while fulfilling customer satisfaction. Literature review established that while prepaid metering system is good on customer satisfaction it has also promoted revenue generation compared to post paid billing system. In this study descriptive design and case study were preferred ahead of all others on the basis of their strength to solicit both qualitative and quantitative data from the respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. It is imperative to highlight that the study discovered that although prepaid meter system has improved revenue generation it has so far failed to meet the projected annual sales from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 second quarter. This implies that the prepaid meter system has got a positive impact on revenue generation despite drawbacks like load shedding and bypassing to mention but the main ones. The study recommends that ZETDC must move fast in increasing vending points, increase deduction from 20% from every purchase probably to 40% towards debt, carryout awareness campaigns against tempering with meters and vandalism and government should find strategies of improving power supply in Zimbabwe if the prepaid system is to be fully utilised and revenue to be realised.