Kenya Power launched a new meter system that was unveiled by the company’s Managing Director Bernard Ngugi’s during a tour of Kisumu County.
Users of the new smart devices will enjoy buying electricity at discounted rates, even as the price of electricity rises.
The project targets to benefit 55,000 customers in the small and medium enterprises sector across the country.
In case of a power outage, the smart meters are able to communicate directly with the company’s National Contact Centre which facilitates immediate resolution.
Efficiency will be enhanced as the Kenya Power teams will be alerted promptly. Additionally, the smart meter also sends a notification to the customer via SMS.
The devices will utilise Google maps to determine the locations of all users across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Kenya Power MD Ngugi stated, “These combined benefits of error-free data, prompt network problem identification, and audit of energy consumption will go a long way in enhancing service delivery to our customers in the SME sector.”
“We believe that the advanced metering technology will further enhance customer satisfaction based on the visibility and prompt detection of power usage and also reduce technical losses which are key to ensuring reliable and quality supply of power,” he added.
The Ksh 1.25 billion World Bank-funded project is part of the Kenya Electricity Modernisation Project and is slated to be completed by June 30, 2021.
Business owners expressed joy in the new innovation which they stated will help in the efficient operations of their businesses.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (KNCC) Kisumu Branch Chairman Israel Agina stated that the new system will also promote transparency in billing, therefore reducing the conflict between businesses and the power company.
“We have been assured of prompt resolution of outages which often inconveniences businesses especially jua kali artisans who depend on electricity to do their work,” he stated.
