For mini-grid project developers, remotely monitoring how much power is generated in their systems, how much is distributed, how large losses are and when an interruption occurs is essential for successful operation. However, appropriate monitoring systems can be costly or do not track all essential data. Reducing the barriers of costs and low quality of mini-grid monitoring systems can benefit mini-grid project developers and the mini-grid market as a whole. As such we developed a low-cost remote energy monitoring system that is geared to assist mini-grid owners and project developers to remotely monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Generation, Distribution and Consumption of energy. It also enables the comparison of different mini-grid installations. The system consists of both a cloud application and an energy monitoring device. One is able to view live generation and distribution data together with history reports on distribution and generation of power, which informs on real-time system performance and failures from anywhere in the world, thus improving system reliability and aiding in scheduling of O&M (Operation & Maintenance) activities.

Alex Riri Mari
Energy & IT Analyst
Strathmore Energy Research Centre, Kenya

Alex Riri Mari is currently an Energy and IT Analyst at the Strathmore Energy Research Centre in Kenya, where he has worked since 2015. He has been involved in the research and development of an energy monitoring system currently being used in two regions, Wasini, Strathmore Energy Research Centre Lab and Talek. Prior to his current position, worked as an electrical technician and website designer, and received his Bachelor of Science in Physics-Electronics and Certificate in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.