SparkMeter has secured new contracts with two Somali utilities to modernize the country’s electricity grids, aiming to address the challenges of high electricity costs and significant revenue losses.
Somalia’s electricity prices are among the highest in the world, with utilities, particularly in remote areas, experiencing losses due to inefficient manual operations, Africa Energy Portal reports.
SparkMeter’s digital grid solutions are designed to mitigate these issues by reducing system losses, improving asset management, and providing accurate consumption forecasts.
A pilot program with Caabudwaq Electric Company (CECO), the largest utility in Galmudug State, has already shown promising results. The introduction of SparkMeter’s technology has led to a reduction in system-wide electricity losses and enhanced revenue collection through faster, more accurate meter readings. SparkMeter now plans to expand its solution to CECO’s 10,000 customers. CECO is also seeking investment to support new clean energy projects.
CECO Chairman Giama Guled praised the improvements, stating, “Before SparkMeter, we relied on manual meter readings and data logging, which were time-consuming and error-prone. The technology has streamlined our processes, reduced system losses, and provided more payment options for customers.”
Additionally, SparkMeter is launching a pilot project with Blue Sky Energy to further address system losses, building on the success of a previous pilot with the National Energy Corporation of Somalia (NECSOM). SparkMeter is now deploying its technology across NECSOM’s 20,000 customers.
The system will help NECSOM detect and resolve losses, manage overloaded transformers, and offer flexible billing options, ultimately enhancing NECSOM’s financial stability and expanding its renewable energy capacity.
NECSOM CFO Mohamed Ahmed emphasized the benefits: “Previously, meter readings and invoice generation took two weeks. With SparkMeter, we will achieve accurate billing in less than 10 hours, allowing us to focus on other critical tasks.”
Operating in over 30 countries, SparkMeter aims to close the energy access gap in emerging markets. CEO Dan Schnitzer highlighted the significance of their mission: “Our goal is to empower utilities with smart grid management solutions to advance equitable energy access. We are proud to partner with forward-thinking leaders in Somalia to achieve this.”
Founded in 2013, SparkMeter provides grid management solutions for areas with unreliable electricity. Its plug-and-play technology supports microgrids and distribution utilities by offering flexible billing, customer communication, and remote monitoring, all of which enhance operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
