Several new enterprises have been established that take advantage of the power supplied. From wind to electricity The scheme harvests the wind with an array of four wind turbines located on a nearby rock outcrop. Power is transmitted to a power house containing a deep-cycle battery bank, control and protection equipment. The wind comes and goes, so the batteries are needed to store power in windy periods for use in calm conditions. Overhead lines were installed to create a mini-grid distribution system that supplies businesses and the clinic with limited power for lighting, entertainment, tools and refrigeration.
Users pay a connection fee and monthly charges depending on their power consumption.
Phases 1 and 2 of the project comprising power supplies to the clinic and business centre were commissioned in March and July, 1999. Phase 3 has just started and will include a larger turbine providing power for water pumping and limited electricity for the nearby Dumbamwe Secondary School.