Aligning with Botswana’s commitment to provide energy users access to affordable energy services and improve grid efficiency, GE Power’s grid solution business has announced that it has signed its first contract with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
According to a company statement, the contract includes the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a SCADA/energy management system at the principal grid control centres in BPC headquarters in Gaborone as well as the back-up control centre in Francistown.
At the contract signing ceremony, Dr. Stefan Schwarzfischer, the power utility’s CEO said: “The functionalities of this platform will improve customer services by leveraging our existing customer call system, reduce down-time, improve revenue collection as well as overall customer satisfaction.
“Once the project is completed, BPC will benefit from a single platform for both Gaborone and Francistown.”
Digital transformation of the grid
It is reported that at present, an average of 70% of the country’s population has access to electricity. Now Botswana is currently focused on the digital transformation of its grid network to enhance reliable access for its people.
Lazarus Angbazo, CEO, GE Grid Solutions, Sub-Saharan Africa, commented: “This project marks the beginning of a rewarding partnership with BPC and reinforces GE’s commitment to support the government of Botswana in its digital transformation process.”
Steven Martin, chief digital officer, GE Power, added: “GE Power’s digital energy software portfolio – including advanced EMS – enables us to support new customers like BPC in parts of the world where portions of the population still need access to electricity.
“We are inspired by the digital strategies that BPC has created to ensure its communities grow and thrive in a time of intensive change and opportunity within the energy sector.”
