Kenya Power unveils Sh340m live line testing lab
Kenya Power has launched a Sh340 million Live Line Laboratory which enables the utility to conduct repairs and maintenance on high voltage lines without switching off customers hence bolstering reliability.
The cost of the maintenance lab is part of the Sh2 billion World Bank funding under the Kenya Electricity Modernisation Project. Prior to its establishment, the company says it spent Sh36 million annually to test live line equipment. Acting Managing Director and CEO Geoffery Muli said the laboratory will enable the company to test and certify Live Line work tools and equipment and realise savings in terms of payment for these services which were previously outsourced.
Boost efficiency
Additionally, he added it will boost efficiency within the Live Line Maintenance Programme. The power utility estimates that it will save about Sh1 billion annually using the programme. It intends to expand the scope of the laboratory in the medium term to include insulation verification tests and certifications for other network equipment.
Plans are also underway to get the laboratory accredited by the Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS) to enable it to test rubber insulating equipment for other organizations within the country and the region on a commercial basis.
