26 APRIL 2016

A NEWS REPORT of Kaifa SMART METERS PROJECT PUBLISHED ON METERING.COM

Shenzhen Kaifa Technology signed an agreement with Korean telecommunications firm KT Corporation for an advanced electricity metering project in Uzbekistan.

According to a company release, US$1.1 billion the smart metering project is financed by the Asian Development Bank.

The release adds that the Chinese electrical equipment manufacturer (Shenzhen Kaifa Technology) will provide one million electric smart meters with robust its management system as Head End System (HES), and Meter Data Management System (MDMS) for the three major cities in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Shenzhen Kaifa signs deal with KT Corporation for a smart meter rollout project in Uzbekistan

In addition to the deployment of the smart meter units, Shenzhen Kaifa will be responsible for the maintenance of the advanced meter infrastructure. The company plans to install the smart meter systems in one million households in Samarkand, Jejak, and Buhkara in Uzbekistan, over the next two years and four months.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, S.F. Zhang, general manager at Shenzhen Kaifa Technology, said: “We are very excited and proud to deliver Kaifa’s smart energy solution to Uzbekisan households.”

He added that the project is expected to result in increased energy savings on both an industry and societal level.

ADB smart meters funding

Prior to the agreement between Shenzhen Kaifa and KT Corporation, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$300m loan, contributing to the on-going programme in Uzbekistan to introduce a national advanced electricity metering system.

The smart meters are aimed at improving billing processes, reducing power losses and strengthen the financial sustainability of the country"s power sector.

Keiju Mitsuhashi, senior energy specialist at ADB said: “Reducing the state’s substantial electricity losses is critical for the government of Uzbekistan’s drive to develop and modernise industry and infrastructure, helping it to maintain growth and reduce poverty.

“This project assistance will fund modern, accurate and tamper-proof electricity meters in Andijan, Fergana, Kashkadarya, Namangan and Surkhandarya, supporting the government’s long-term development goals.”

The loan is helping state utility Uzbekenergo to address high system losses and low tariff collection experienced as a result of a lack of investment in modern electricity equipment, including meters, which are old, inaccurate and susceptible to tampering.

The funds are also purposed to help fund staff training at Uzbekenergo, and carry out a public information campaign to raise awareness about energy efficiency.