The 34-year-old entrepreneur from KwaMashu in Durban started her company last year after being inspired by her husband - who she says is an expert in metering and energy systems.
Luthuli's Mitara Metering Services, based in Johannesburg, teaches electricity users how to use the commodity wisely so that they can save money and power as well as help create a green environment. Her company offers products and services that enable clients to monitor, measure and control their electricity usage.
"Our solution includes smart metering, sub-metering, energy audits and energy efficiency systems which provide monitoring functions that allow you to collect reliable data to make more informed decisions about your energy usage," she says.
"Although we are new in the industry, some of the challenges we face include being a new service provider in an environment dominated by already established businesses and changing the energy consumption patterns of customers," she says
Luthuli says winter is the period when the demand for electricity is highest and consumption costs escalate, forcing consumers to pay more and use more.
"During off-peak periods we focus on the domestic market where people choose to do renovations or buy new houses. We also work additional hours at peak times and save for the times when there is less business," she says.
The company employs eight technicians and two operational officers.
Luthuli intends to recruit another 30 people. She is also providing training in energy management and green products to apprenticed electrical contractors .
"I am still getting my business off the ground as it is still at start-up stage and only a year old. I still have a lot of work to do before I can call it a success," she says.
Luthuli says she is a hands-on person who uses a participatory management style. "I empower my team to participate in decision-making as they are the experts and understand our target market," she says.
Source: Sowtan via I-Net Bridge
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