Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has now taken considerate steps in addressing frequent power blackouts in the country by launching a new laboratory which is valued at Ksh2 billion.
The Live Line laboratory, launched on Wednesday, June 8, is the first utility plant in East and Central Africa and will be used to test and certify equipment used in live-line maintenance programme that was introduced in the country in October 2019.
According to KPLC, the new laboratory will enable the company to carry out repairs without scheduling maintenance power outages.
"The live line technology enables the Company to carry out repairs and maintenance on high and medium voltage lines without switching off customers," KPLC stated.
The live line maintenance will mainly seek to connect new customers without completely switching off the supply. It will also involve changing rotten poles, repairing broken conductors, and trace clearance.
Speaking during the launch, KPLC Acting Managing Director Geoffrey Muli noted that the laboratory which is based in Ruaraka Nairobi will enhance the stability of the power supply.
"Live line maintenance programme seeks to reduce planned electricity shutdowns, enhance the stability of power supply and improve revenue generation," Muli remarked.
The entire project was funded by the World Bank which pumped Ksh2 billion which enabled the utility firm to advance its operations in the country.
Currently, the KPLC live line team comprises 216 staff and 35 trucks spread across different stations in the country.
The team covers at least 2 locations in a week helping KPLC to save revenue loss of Ksh17.5 million per week which translates to Ksh1 billion annually.
"The company is focused on the provision of quality power supply by strengthening electricity network and streamlining internal processes so as to improve customer experience and stakeholder confidence," the company explained during the launch.
