Rethinking Kenya Power and Lighting Company Business Model– The Green and Digital Transition Centre of Excellence
Background
The world is on the cusp of a digital and green transition. Digital transformation powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Data Mining, and 3D printing among others will fundamentally shift the business landscape introducing new competitors and totally reshaping business models. Green transition is also creating new opportunities and challenges. Increasingly companies are being asked to be more sustainable and regulations are emerging. On the other hand, as new consumers who care about sustainability emerge, new business opportunities for those able to.
Companies will have to radically rethink their business models to mitigate the risks and capture emerging opportunities. Organizations in Africa are especially challenged as they have invested little in technologies and also lack the needed skills. At the same time, having not invested heavily in legacy technologies means they are nimble and can easily leapfrog and become world-class competitors. The success of Mpesa, the largest money transfer application in the world, is a testimony to this.
The two transitions are two sides of the same coin. Capturing the green opportunity will require leveraging digital technologies. For example, improving energy efficiency calls for extensive data collection through the Internet of Things (IoTs) and also employing data mining. Delivering green energy will require innovations in business model and this will invariably employ digital platforms e.g. MKOPA,
The Challenge
Companies and especially SMEs will be challenged to drive the needed innovations to make the transition. At the same time, KPLC will need to rethink its business model as Renewable Energy (Res) becomes the norm and more and more consumer create their own energy (e.g. solar panels). How can Kenya Power leverage its huge engineering capacity and significant customer base to develop new business lines? The centre of excellence will seek to leverage the academia and internal expertise of KPLC to provide digital and energy solutions to SME clients and beyond.
With this platform, the aim is to create an ecosystem that drives innovation and new practices regarding green transition and constantly digitalises the energy industry, where early adopters of the green transition reap substantial value and benefits. Imagine being at the forefront of a movement that revolutionizes not only the way we produce energy but also how we consume it. Together, we can forge a sustainable path that not only preserves our planet but also fuels economic growth and enhances societal well-being.
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey, where innovation and collaboration drive the energy and digital revolution. Together, let us unlock the full potential of industry-academia collaboration to shape a future that is sustainable, prosperous, and equitable. The time for action is now, and with the innovation platform designed, we can create the future of energy production and networks, empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in a greener world.
About KPLC
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) owns and operates most of the electricity transmission and distribution system in the country and sells electricity to over 8 million as of the end of June 2020. KPLC supplies energy and supports large consumers, SMEs and domestic homes. The key mandate is to plan for sufficient electricity generation and transmission capacity to meet demand; build and maintain the power distribution and transmission network and retail electricity to its customers.
KPLC is committed to providing cost-effective, reliable and quality power that delights customers. In pursuit of this undertaking, suitable technologies and innovations shall be embraced to improve the power network. KPLC wishes to map the efficiency and optimization of services offered to all consumers as well as digitization of operations.
As the world is moving towards the 4th Industrial Revolution, the green energy transition is key. KPLC Institute can be used as a centre of excellence as they also look at diversification in fibre business and solar energy utilization.