Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Where are the candles at?

With all this news about electrity tariffs going up by 37% and the fact that Umeme is in trouble I am forseeing some more darkness ahead. What is Uganda coming to? We are going to pay more for a commodity that we are getting less and less of.

When I first ranted about the power rationing, I thought that the suitation couldn't get any worse. Since then the blackouts have become more frequent and Umeme no longer has the courtesy to stick to the rationing programme it prints in the papers.

I guess we will have to buy more kerosene lamps and generators (for those with deeper pockets). But hold on. That won't really solve anything because fuel prices are shooting up so fast even kerosene might soon be too expensive to buy (considering its now going to be a necessity). I don't think that those generators that the government was thinking of installing to mitigate the effects of the power shortages are going to be answer after all.

Where does this leave those of us who cannot afford the the 1.2 milion for a basic inverter or the costs of solar panels (solar energy is so cheap, if only the initial setup wasn't so costly)?

I guess I should head on down to the shops and stock up on all the candles they have. Given the way things are going the government may soon want to raise the taxes on these too after it has realised that they are selling like crazy.

p.s. I can't keep going to the bar to avoid the darkness at home. Suggestions requested on possible activities to while away the dark hours.

6 comments:

Savage said...

Need suggestions to while away the dark hours? Do what I do-PROCREATE.

Anonymous said...

smart-ass suggestion Savage.
Now lets modify; in view of the rising costs of well...everything,
yes, procreate.
BUT-take all necessary precautions to ensure that there are no products!(wink)as these will only further add to your living expenses.

@savage-we are genius! Lets write a self help book-How to while away the hours...

Jane said...

Jay, I feel ya. Energy is a global issue now. I depart with $200 a month for my hydro only, never mind gas for heat!!

With continued inconsistency of Umeme, the Nile basin's urge to acquire an alternative and efficient source of energy like nuclear holds water even more. Getting a pass from the western world in this regard is another story but atleast we know Brazil has succeeded and Iran is trying. Hang in there, early to bed and early to rise makes a healthy mind, eh?

ish said...

when i was in k'la, i'd practice putting others before myself when kara would chuck. let evryone else have the candles and lamps, and sit in the dark and think about how nice you're being! huge self-esteem builder, trust me! but this don't work if u don't have housemates of any kind...

Jay said...

Procreation....nah I don't think so.

@JKB. $200 for hydro. Thats a bit hard for me to wrap my mind around.

I'm somewhat achluophobic and sleep does not come to me easily. therefore I cannot sit arround in the dark faaa. I also always try to got to bed when I am very sleepy or tired or both otherwise if i don't go straight to sleep the shadows start coming to life and I don't like that.

Jane said...

Jay, excuse my feeble mind! I meant $200 for gas and $100 for hydro per month!

We were paying utility bills at cost (owing to a rate freeze) until when the Ontario provincial liberals assumed power 21/2 years ago. Now we pay at actual market rate plus a fee to offset the huge losses utility corps accumulated, which is gross!