KPLC and Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems (India) Private Limited (TTDI), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on implementation of a pilot project aimed at decreasing distribution losses in a national capacity.
The MoU signed aims to guide the installation, testing and evaluation of equipment that will be supplied by TTDI , on a trial basis, to improve efficiency and reduce both technical and losses in the distribution grid.
Speaking with journalists , Kenya Power Managing Director Dr. Ben Chumo said they focused on bringing down the system losses from the current 19 percent to single digit figures in the medium term, and as the network grows in tandem with the rapid increase in the number of customers , they experience both technical and commercial losses.
Chumo said the project will involve the installation of new types of transformers of a high standard manufactured by TTDI, in the distribution network, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and helping to significantly reduce losses.
In addition, Dr. Ben Chumo said, TTDI , under guidance from KPLC will supply safe and eco-friendly Solid Insulated Switchgears (SIS) and Gas Insulated Transformers (GIT) to fight vandalism.The Chairman and Managing Director of Toshiba Company Dr. Katsutoshi Toda, speaking with journalists said TTDI has made concerted efforts to understand and respond to the needs of Kenya Power. He said the MoU reflects KPLC ‘s positive evaluation of TTDI’s high-quality products and of Toshiba’s proposal to contribute towards achieving stable electricity supply.
Chumo added that rapid economic growth has continuously increased demand for electric power in the country,calling for intensive investment in the transmission and distribution network. He said the country’s access rate to power currently stands at 56 percent with a focus to reach 70 percent by next year, before attaining a universal access by 2020. He added that Kenya Power is committed to ensuring there is efficiency in power distribution in order to boost the country’s economic development.
Toshiba Group intends to leverage on technological advantages and high reliability of its products to contribute towards electricity supply in growing markets such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
