Béninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE), the only energy distributor in Benin, has selected Itron to modernise its electricity distribution system.
Itron will provide the utility with an advanced metering infrastructure network, 40,000 smart meters and energy prepayment management platform.
The AMI will be deployed in the city of Cotonou to help SBEE reduce energy losses and billing errors.
Itron will provide project management, training and support to the utility as well as integrate IPMP as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
AM Afrique, a user of the SaaS jointly with the SBEE, will operate the system and will assure the data exchanges with other internal systems of SBEE (e.g., billing and customer management systems).
SBEE provides energy to more than 600,000 customers and is confident its partnership with Itron will help improve its cash flow.
Customers will be able to pay their bills through a self-service internet portal, Android-based point-of-sale terminals and smartphone applications.
The project is the foundation for the Benin utility to deploy distribution automation applications to strengthen the resilience of its grid in future.
“We have a growing number of customers who utilise prepayment for electricity, and we are excited to implement Itron’s network technology and prepayment solution to equip more customers to take advantage of prepayment in order to improve delivery, efficiency and reliability,” Adjamassouhon Wilfrid, project leader at SBEE said.
“By collaborating with SBEE, Itron will make prepaid electricity accessible to all of the utility’s users, while enabling them to reduce losses and gain greater awareness of its distribution system,” Babacar Diba, area vice president, Africa at Itron.
“By harnessing our software and hardware, SBEE will be able to realise outcomes that help modernise its electricity infrastructure enabling greater end-customer satisfaction.”
