AfrElec: Somali utilities partner with SparkMeter to modernise electricity grids

SparkMeter, a provider of grid management solutions for underserved communities, has announced new contracts with two Somali utilities to digitalise the country's electricity grids. The initiative aims to reduce costs and improve reliability for consumers.

Somalia, where residents face some of the world's highest electricity prices, has seen utilities struggle with revenue loss due to challenges in serving remote customers. SparkMeter's grid monitoring solutions are designed to address these issues by mitigating system losses, managing assets, and forecasting consumption patterns.

Caabudwaq Electric Company (CECO), the largest utility in Galmudug State, reported reduced systemwide electricity losses and improved collections during an initial pilot programme with SparkMeter. The company now plans to implement the solution across its entire customer base of 10,000, enabling it to pursue investment for new clean energy projects.

Implementation of SparkMeter's technology at CECO has streamlined customer meter readings and billing processes, offering customers a wider range of payment options, the company says. This has significantly reduced system losses and improved service delivery.

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