Kampala — BIG electricity consumers should install capacitor banks to reduce power losses, the energy state minister, Simon D'ujanga, has suggested. Capacitor banks regulate power to buildings.

The minister asked medium and large scale consumers who have capacitor banks to regularly monitor and maintain them in order to sustain a good power factor.

During a workshop at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala, D'ujanga said Uganda loses 40% of its power, which if saved, would reduce loadshedding.

He said the Government would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that power losses are contained.

The minister called upon UMEME and the Electricity Regulatory Authority to agree on a tariff to act as an incentive for consumers with a good power factor and also penalise those with a low power factor.

However, James Kafeero of Ntake Wheat Flour Mill, said: "The problem is two- way. UMEME has never supplied us balanced power. Even in Industrial Area where they collect a lot of money, power supply is wanting. A good power factor cannot be successful without power balance."