KPLC Introduces New OCR Meter Reading System to Curb Billing Errors

By;Mweru Mbugua 

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has begun rolling out a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) meter reading technology aimed at boosting accuracy, speed and efficiency in its billing process

The system, which replaces manual entry of meter readings, allows meter readers to simply scan the meter display, enabling the software to automatically capture and process the data with minimal room for human error

“Technology is a major driver of our business, and in terms of billing, specifically meter reading, we have been looking at how to make it better and more accurate

With the OCR system, the meter reader will just be required to scan the meter, and the system will pick the meter readings automatically,” said Richard Wida, Kenya Power’s Commercial Cycle Manager

Following a successful six-month pilot in Nairobi beginning March 2025, the rollout will now cover all eight KPLC regions. The company targets 1.8 million postpaid meters that still require monthly manual readings

KPLC says the technology is also expected to significantly reduce billing anomalies often linked to human error, marking another major step in the company’s digital transformation journey

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It will complement existing platforms such as the Mypower App and USSD *977#, which allow customers to self-read and submit their meter readings

“In future, we want to enable the use of OCR in self-reading so that our customers can enjoy the convenience of reading their meters with minimal chance of error,” added Mr. Wida

The company has also enhanced service delivery through smart metering for large power users, SMEs, and selected domestic customers, allowing remote meter reading, disconnections, and reconnections