CAIRO: Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is to install 4 million smart meters annually until 2024, with a total cost of 60 billion EGP ($7.6 billion,) ministry spokesperson Mohamed al-Yamani told Youm7 Wednesday.
Yamani added that the ministry has commenced implementation of a plan to change 30 million installed electric meters to smart meters over a 10-year period.
“The plan aims to transfer the 30 million normal traditional electric meters to smart ones, noting that the consumers increase by a million yearly, to reach a total of 40 million consumers in 10 years,” Yamani said.
Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab held a meeting with Chinese Huawei company in Mayto discuss the agreement concluded concerning the manufacturing of the pre-paid smart electric meters, State Information Service (SIS) reported.
Minister of Electricity Mohamed Shaker stated that the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the company to supply the components necessary for the manufacture of the meters, Stream Misr reported in June.
“The deal will help increase the number of electricity smart meters from 10 million to 35 million devices, thus reducing electricity theft,” said Shaker according to SIS.