Kenya Power, Toshiba sign pact to reduce distribution losses

Pilot project will involve installation of amorphous distribution transformers manufactured by TTDI, to enhance efficiency

Kenya Power and Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems (India) Pvt Ltd (TTDI), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, have entered into a pact for implementation of a pilot project aimed at decreasing distribution losses in the national grid.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will guide installation, testing and evaluation of equipment that will be supplied by TTDI, on a trial basis, to improve efficiency and reduce both technical and commercial losses in the distribution network, a press statement said.

"As the network grows in tandem with the rapid increase in the number of customers, we experience both technical and commercial losses. We are focused on bringing down the system losses from the current 19 per cent to single digit figures in the medium term," Kenya Power Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer Ben Chumo was quoted as saying in the statement.

The pilot project will involve installation of new type of transformers (amorphous distribution transformers) manufactured by TTDI in the distribution network, to of enhance efficiency, the statement said.

In addition, TTDI, under guidance from Kenya Power, will supply safe and eco-friendly solid insulated switchgears and gas insulated transformers to fight vandalism.

"TTDI has made concerted efforts to understand and respond to the needs of Kenya Power. I believe this MoU reflects KPLC's positive evaluation of TTDI's high quality products and of our proposal to contribute towards achieving stable electricity supply," TTDI chairman & MD Katsutoshi Toda said.