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KPLC’s Smart Poles pilot project aims to boost revenue, enhance internet connectivity

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has initiated a pilot project to install special utility poles known as Smart Poles. 

These poles are part of Kenya Power’s strategy to diversify its revenue streams and provide high-speed internet connectivity.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KPLC, Dr (Eng.) Joseph Siror, the Smart Poles offer an alternative solution for deploying wireless technologies in last-mile data networks. 

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“This will help telecom service providers improve data coverage and capacity, as well as address signal dropout challenges,” said Mr Siror during the ongoing Grid Conference 2023 at Ruaraka, Nairobi.

The conference aims to address grid challenges, explore innovative solutions, enhance system efficiency, and improve the company’s performance.

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The pilot project is currently underway in collaboration with Safaricom, at six locations in Nairobi. Once the pilot phase is completed, Kenya Power will install smart poles across its overhead network. 

“Telecom service providers can then lease these poles to mount their wireless transmission equipment.”

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The CEO emphasized the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in service delivery. He highlighted the importance of innovative and sustainable solutions in establishing a smart grid and leveraging new growth opportunities.

In addition to the smart poles project, Kenya Power is in discussions with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) to develop a framework for supporting the government’s digital economy agenda. 

“Leveraging its network and fibre capacity, Kenya Power intends to provide internet infrastructure at a favourable cost to public institutions such as schools and hospitals.”

The Smart Poles project and collaboration with the Ministry of ICT will not only diversify revenue but also contribute to the automation of the grid.

Kenya Power has already implemented the SCADA system to monitor and control equipment in its substations. 

SCADA system gathers the data from various electrical substations and correspondingly processes it.

The power supply firm noted that automation of medium voltage line switches in the Nairobi region has also been completed, providing operational flexibility.

Kenya Power claims it has successfully implemented the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project to protect revenue from large and medium customers. 

“Through the AMI project, a total of 67,000 smart meters were installed in SMEs premises and six-meter data control centres were established to enhance the visibility and monitoring of the smart meters. The AMI project has recorded a growth in sales by more than 8% because of enhanced accuracy in meter readings, prompt billing, and reduced energy pilferage.” KPLC noted.

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Diana Mutheu
Diana Mutheu
Diana Mutheu is a Tech enthusiast, happy to delve deeper into the African tech space covering Social Media, AI, Startups, Telcos, Cryptocurrency, Big Data, Women in Tech and all matters Tech.

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