Utility Pushes Rural Electrification, Digital Payments Forward

Oct 26 , 2025


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The Ethiopian Electricity Utility (EEU) connected 107,191 new customers in the third quarter of 2025, representing an 18.3pc increase compared with the same period last year. Of these, 95.5pc are postpaid customers while 4.5pc use prepaid services. Efforts to extend electricity to rural communities reached 14 new towns and villages, including 13 on the main grid and one off-grid village powered by solar energy. Infrastructure improvements included 957 km of reconstructed distribution lines, 2,151 km of expansion works, 493 upgraded transformers, and 850 new transformers installed, all planned to enhance supply reliability and quality. EES also strengthened internal governance, taking administrative or disciplinary measures against 20 employees, including eight written warnings, 10 salary fines, and two dismissals, to curb misconduct and corruption. The utility continues to advance digital payments, with 94.5pc of customers now using e-payment methods, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernise operations and streamline revenue collection.


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