End User Characteristics and Adoption of Technologies in Utility Firms

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) plays a critical role in economic development of the country through supply of electricity to domestic and corporate customers. In order to execute its mandate efficiently, the company has embraced new technologies such as an integrated Distribution Management System (DMS) as well as different types of sensors on feeders, transformers and distribution substations. Other technologies include smart metering of transformers and feeders to enable energy balancing.The adoption of these technologies is expected to reduce power losses, cut operational costs, lower peak demand, create or increase revenue streams, improve long-term growth prospects and enhance customer satisfaction. Despite potential benefits of new technologies, there is evidence of low adoption levels of these technologies at KPLC. This books explores factors influencing adoption of new technologies at KPLC, Nakuru.