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OUR MATERIAL MATTERS
| GOVERNANCE, RISK & REGULATION
| NETWORK QUALITY |
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY | INNOVATION |
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During the year, we reduced our cost of energy consumption by site by KES 1,678
or 3% to KES 48,614 per month. This was achieved by continuing to modernise the
network and to deploy a wide range of energy-efficient solutions, including power
cube generators, Low-voltage Auto Phase Selectors (APS), free cooling units, and
replacing rectifier and smart controller units.
As part of our efforts to improve energy efficiency, 16 members of staff underwent
training on energy management during the year. The CEM-certified course was
run by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
FOCUS ON SOLAR
In response to the SDG strategy, we have adjusted our approach to the mix of
energy sources used throughout our network. We now seek to align network
availability and energy efficiency with clean, sustainable energy sources and
consumption patterns (i.e. reducing our carbon footprint). In practice, this means
avoiding, and phasing out, the use of diesel generators wherever possible, either
by ensuring that KPLC (national grid) energy is available at a site or by employing
alternative energy solutions.
The following table describes the mix of energy sources used throughout our
network. The number of 24/7 diesel generator sites increased during the year
because of external delays in bringing national grid energy to sites, especially
those in more rural locations, but we have begun a programme of prioritising
the use of solar-based energy solutions at smaller, ‘capacity’ sites (as opposed
to critical ‘coverage’ sites) and we will intensify our efforts in this regard in the
year ahead. There are already 90 sites planned for FY18 and we are exploring
partnership models in remote areas that will enable local residents to purchase
any excess/surplus power.
Network Energy Sources by Site
SDG 12
SDG 7
SDG 8
* Kenya Power and Lighting Company (national grid supply)
FY15
FY16
FY17
2,763
3,080
3,623
323
555
688
41
129
191
91
53
47
11
2
0
56
98
133
KPLC* and Genset
KPLC*
(No Generator)
24/7 Diesel
Generator
PowerCube
(Energy Efficient
Generator)
Diesel Generator/
Battery Hybrid
Solution
Solar or Wind and
Hybrid Solution