OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

PASS/FAIL_____________________REVIEWED BY CORDINATOR_______________________

DATE REVIEWED AND SIGNED _____________________________________________________

Name: ALLAN KIPROTICH Reg No. E021-01-2419/2020

DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY-BOMET BRANCH

CENTRAL OFFICE – P.O. BOX 30099, NAIROBI, KENYA

STUDENTS’ EXTERNAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

DATE: MAY-JULY, 2023

NAME: ALLAN KIPROTICH

REG. NO: E021-01-2419/2020

SCHOOL: ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

COURSE OF STUDY: BSC IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

YEAR OF STUDY: YEAR 3 SEMESTER 3

COMPANY ATTACHED: KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY

STATION ATTACHED: BOMET BRANCH

COMPANY ADDRESS:

DIRECTIONS TO ATTACHMENT: DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY-NYAHURURU-NAKURU-

KERICHO-BOMET TOWN

NAME OF COMPANY SUPERVISOR: BERNARD K TOMNO

CELL PHONE OF COMPANY SUPERVISOR:

EMAIL OF THE COMPANY SUPERVISOR:

DURATION: FROM: TO:

NO. OF WEEKS:

OFFICE STAMP: { }

{ }
Contents
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................................5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................................8
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................................9
KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY BACKGROUND INFORMATION...........................10
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE.............................................................................................................11
..................................................................................................................................................................11
MISSION..................................................................................................................................................12
VISION.....................................................................................................................................................12
CORE VALUES........................................................................................................................................12
QUALITY POLICY..................................................................................................................................12
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................13
SAFETY PRECAUTION..........................................................................................................................15
Kenya power Safety Rules for all employees.....................................................................................16
Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers....................................................................................20
ATTACHMENT DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS ATTENDEND.......................................................21
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT........................................................................................................22
Role of emergency department/teams................................................................................................22
CUSTOMER SERVICE.....................................................................................................................24
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT........................................................................................24
Transformers.....................................................................................................................................26
Conductors/ cables............................................................................................................................28
Support structures.............................................................................................................................30
KPLC facility database (FDB)........................................................................................................32
Design and construction department/ Business Development department.................................32
Costing..............................................................................................................................................33
First insertion process.....................................................................................................................34
Design of a low voltage distribution network................................................................................35
Contracting an account and metering............................................................................................38
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT...............................................................41
Substation..........................................................................................................................................41
 Load check.......................................................................................................................................46
Faults.................................................................................................................................................47
Pole maintenance..............................................................................................................................52
Wiring and commissioning of a transformer.....................................................................................53
Earthing / grounding..........................................................................................................................55
Measuring soil resistance..................................................................................................................56
Surge arrestor/ diverter.....................................................................................................................57
OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES................................................................................................................58
RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................................59
Design considerations............................................................................................................................59
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................60
 DECLARATION
I declare that this attachment report is my own work done at Kenya power and lighting company.

Where collaboration with other people has taken place or material generated by other researchers is

included the parties and/or materials are indicated in the acknowledgements or are explicitly stated

with references appropriately.

Name: …ALLAN KIPROTICH………

REG. NO: E021-01-2419/2020

Signature: …………………………….

Date: ………………………………….
 CERTIFICATION

This attachment report has been submitted with my approval.

Name: …ALLAN KIPROTICH…

Signature: ……………………………...

Date: …………………………………...
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this piece of work to my parents for there tireless efforts and support during the attachment

period.

I also dedicate this work to my siblings for there kind and generous support all through the

attachment period

.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of this report took an effort, support and guidance of a number of people whom I

wish to thank.

My supervisors, both industrial supervisor Mr. Bernard K Tomno and university supervisor Mr. Peter

Yegon for the cooperation and support, much appreciation. I wish to thank my course mates and

colleagues during the attachment for team work and support

I also extend a lot of appreciation to field supervisors, Mr. Shadrack Lomong and Eng. Erick

Musumia who ensured that all facilities necessary for the industrial attachment exercise were at my

disposal. Thanks to the team I was patched with, all their directions, explanations, technical and

intellectual support amounted to the quality experience I gained.

 ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to provide the insight and purpose of attachment, a description of all the

activities undertaken during the same, the lessons learnt and skills gained during the attachment

period.

I have gained vast knowledge on how power is generated and distributed to consumers including all

facilities that make the generation, distribution and maintenance possible.

To fulfill this objective, the report will describe in detail how power is transferred form the power

generating company (KenGen) to the distribution company (K.P.L.C) and then from the distribution

company to consumers all over the country. And also the different systems, equipment and tools used

in the installation and maintenance of the power supply lines.

 KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Kenya Power traces its origins to 1875 when Seyyied Barghash, the Sultan of Zanzibar, acquired a

generator to light his palace and nearby streets. This generator was acquired in 1908 by Harrali

Esmailjee Jeevanjee, a Mombasa-based merchant, leading to the formation of the Mombasa Electric

Power and Lighting Company whose mandate was to provide electricity to the island. In the same

year, Engineer Clement Hirtzel was granted the exclusive right to supply Nairobi city with electricity.

This led to the formation of the Nairobi Power and Lighting Syndicate.

In 1922, the Mombasa Electric Power and Lighting Company and Nairobi Power and Lighting

Syndicate merged under a new company known as East African Power and Lighting

Company (EAP&L).

On February 1, 1954, Kenya Power Company (KPC) was formed and commissioned to construct the

transmission line between Nairobi and Tororo in Uganda. This was to transmit power generated at

the Owen Falls Dam to Kenya. KPC was managed by EAP&L under a management contract. In the

same year, EAP&L listed its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Making it one of the first

companies to list on the bourse.

EAP&L exited Tanzania in 1964 by selling its stake in TANESCO to the Government of Tanzania.

Due to its presence in only Kenya, EAP&L was renamed the Kenya Power and Lighting Company

Limited (KPLC) in 1983.

Kenya Power Company de-merged from KPLC in 1997 and rebranded to Kenya Electricity

Generating Company (KenGen) and in 2008, the electricity transmission infrastructure function was

carved out of KPLC and transferred to the newly formed Kenya Electricity Transmission Company

(KETRACO). Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) was re-branded Kenya Power in June

2011.
 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
Chief Executive Officer & managing
director
General Managers

Corporate affairs Human Regional Supply

Finance
& company resources & operation chains
secretary administration s

Customer Network & IT & Business Infrastructure

service management Telecommunications strategy development

Regional managers

County Business
Mangers
Engineers, technician, contractors etc.

MISSION
Powering people for better lives by innovatively securing business sustainability.

By striving to provide world-class products and services that delight our customers and transform

lives as we ensure viability of our business.

VISION
Energy solutions provider of choice.

By becoming the preferred energy solution for businesses and individuals, we empower our

customers to achieve more and reach their full potential

CORE VALUES
 We put our customers first as they matter most
  We work together as one team to achieve our goals

 We are passionate about powering the nation

 We believe in integrity and delivering on our promises

 We strive for excellence in all that we do

 We are accountable to our customers and stakeholders

QUALITY POLICY
The Kenya Power & Lighting Plc. is committed to provide cost effective, reliable and quality power

that delights customers and better’s people’s lives. In pursuit of this undertaking, suitable

technologies and innovations shall be embraced to improve power network and customer service.

Quality objectives based on the Corporate Strategic plan shall be established at relevant functions,

levels and processes within the organization. The Board, Management and staff of Kenya Power are

committed to effective implementation and continuous improvement.

INTRODUCTION
Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited's (KPLC) originally known as Kenya Power Company

purchased in bulk from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen), Independent

Power Producers (IPPs) and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).

Kenya Power holds and operates the national transmission and distribution grid, and is responsible

for the scheduling and dispatch of electricity to more than 500, 000 customers throughout.
The following is a general summary description of the company;

Full name: Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Stima Plaza, Parklands, P.O Box 30099, 00100, NAIROBI.

Status: Listed

Legal Form: Other non-liability limited

Operational Status: Operational

ISIN CODE: KE0000000349

Tel: +254 20 3201000 or 243366

SAFETY PRECAUTION
Electricity flows through metal, wood, water and human beings. Power lines are therefore very

dangerous and safety precautions must be undertaken when within the vicinity of power lines.
The Kenya Electricity Grid Code set out detailed arrangements for the regulation of the Kenya

electricity supply industry and is enforceable under the Electric Power Act, No 11 of 1997. In

addition to the Kenya Electricity Grid Code, the Kenya Safety Codes are reviewed. They recognize

the Factories Act, 1962 (Rev.1972) which requires an employee to use any means or appliance

provided by the Employer for securing safety and also not willfully to do anything likely to endanger

himself or others.

This Act applies to all workplaces where any person is at work, whether temporarily or permanently.

The purpose of this Act is to secure the safety, health and welfare of persons at work, and protect

persons other than persons at work against risks to safety and health arising out of, or in connection

with, the activities of persons at work. Some of the areas addressed here are machinery safety,

chemical safety and health, safety and welfare special provisions are also provided in the ILO

conventions on safety and health in construction recommendation, 1988 R175.

Kenya power Safety Rules for all employees

A safe work environment is not always enough to control all potential electrical hazards. You must be

very cautious and work safely. Safety rules help you control your and others risk of injury or death

from workplace hazards.

1.Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. All circuits are to be assumed live unless proven

otherwise

2.Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energized.

3.Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.

4.Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.
5.Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with

electrical equipment. This rule is very easy to forget, especially when you are showing some

electrical part pointing with metallic pencil.

6.When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry. Wear

nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.

Below are examples of Safety clothes, gloves and shoes

7.If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your

pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that

result in current passing through the chest cavity.

8. Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is

likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.

9. If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit

breaker and unplug the equipment. NEVER try to remove water or similar from equipment while

energized
10.If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment,

cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a

leather belt. Always disconnect the power FIRST

11.Equipment producing a “tingle” should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.

12.Do not rely on grounding to mask a defective circuit nor attempt to correct a fault by insertion of

another fuse or breaker, particularly one of larger capacity.

13.Drain capacitors before working near them and keep the short circuit on the terminals during the

work to prevent electrical shock.

14.Never touch another person’s equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.

15.Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact with

them.

16.Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or perspiring, or when

standing on a wet floor.

17.When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheated

motors), use the back of the hand. Thus, if accidental shock were to cause muscular contraction, you

would not “freeze” to the conductor.

18.Do not store highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment.

19.Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door is

open but power for control circuits may remain on.

20.De-energize open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.

21.Do not wear loose clothing or ties near electrical equipment. Maintain codes of an electrical

engineer
Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers
 Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

 Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

 In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles.

 Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not

have to use extension cords.

 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

 Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at

a time.

 If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or

flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

  Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the

lamp's recommended wattage.

 Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen

bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

 Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect electrical

outlets.

ATTACHMENT DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS

ATTENDEND
Kenya power has different operational structures depending on the population of the region on which

operations are to be undertaken.

This are the 8 departments that operate in a region branch of the Kenya Power and Lighting

Company;

1. Customer Service department

2. Operation and Maintenance (Emergency department)

3. Operation and Maintenance (mains)

4. Operation and Maintenance (HIAB)

5. Design and Construction department (D&C)

6. Meter reading department

7. Survey department

8. Business Development department

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
According to the chores assigned to each department, a lot of electrical and electronics tasks were

embedded in the Emergency department.

Role of emergency department/teams
The role of Emergency department and the teams is to ensure that there is consistence supply of

electricity as well as provide public safety and health by addressing different emergencies. Kenya

power engages in community awareness and prevention programs to help the public avoid, detect,

and report emergencies effectively.

Emergency department and the teams operated on a 24 hours’ basis but in shifts. Every call from a

customer is recorded and printed then handed to workers who work in shifts throughout the day and

night. The main duties of the emergency services include:

 Diagnosing of faults on low voltage overhead and underground lines

 Basic repair and maintenance of low voltage network earthing system

Emergency cases are recorded in the incidence book and finally in soft form using the incidence

management system( IMS)

The 132kv to 33kv Step down transformer serving the entire area under operation
 Self-Supporting Steel Lattice Tower for Overhead Transmission Lines

CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Customer Service division is mandated to undertake customer related aspects of the business.

Specifically, this includes but is not limited to analysis of electricity unit sales growth in the plan

period, sales from new and existing customers, innovations and service reforms to enhance sales

growth and customer satisfaction.

The Division is responsible for the sale of electricity to over 4,7 million customers countrywide.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

The company involved in generation of power is called Kenya Generation Company Limited

(KenGen).

There also exists independent power producers (IPP’s) such as Iberafrica, Westmont, Tsavo and

OrPower4.

The company involved in transmission is Kenya Transmission Company (KETRACO).

The company involved in distribution is Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
Kenya currently produces around 2GW of power on average from all viable sources, 3GW short of

the 5GW target. The current electricity demand is 1.9GW and is growing rapidly.

The required energy reserve should be at least 20% of the installed capacity but Kenya has only 5%

energy reserve which is undesirable.

Power is transmitted and distributed at various voltages. The transmission voltages include: -

i. 400KV DC- currently under construction between Kenya and Ethiopia.

ii. 220 KV A.C

iii. 132 KV A.C

iv. 66KV A.C

The distribution voltages include: -

i. 33 KV A.C

ii. 11 KV A.C

iii. 415 V A.C

iv. 240 V A.C

Single-line diagram of transmission and distribution network

Power generated has to reach consumers and this is facilitated by the existence of certain elements

such as, transformers, conductors and support structures.

Transformers
Transformers are used to step down the high transmission voltages to low distribution voltages.

Transmission is done at high voltages to reduce energy loss.

Transformers are rated in Kilovolt-amperes (KVA) according to the amount of load that they can

support. The various ratings are, 5/7.5/15/25 KVA single phase pole mounted, 50/100/200/315 KVA

three phase pole mounted, 630/1000 KVA and 1.5MVA three phase ground mounted transformers.

For a customer to get safe and reliable power, the distance between them and the transformer should

be at least 600 meters. At distances beyond 600 meters, the customer will receive unreliable power

and the safety of the transformer and customer will not be compromised.

Small distribution transformers are protected by use of series fuses while the larger transformers are

protected by the use of circuit breakers.

Faults occur in transformers due to overloading, short circuits, failing of cooling mechanisms and

deterioration of windings.

Transformers can be protected by use of relays such as Earth-fault relays, Buchholz relay and over

current relays.

When a transformer is overloaded beyond its rating, the coils overheat causing a failure in the

cooling mechanisms hence the transformer blows.

Simple transformer diagram

 .

Three phase transformer

Single phase transformer

Conductors/ cables
Conductors/ cables are the medium through which electricity is transmitted to the consumers.

Conductors are majorly used by KPLC for distribution in rural and less populated areas while

underground cables are used in urban centres and cities where poles and conductors (overhead) are

considered an obstruction to construction and lack aesthetic value.

Proper selection of material and size of conductors is very crucial. Good conductor material should

have very high tensile strength, high conductivity and low cost. Examples of conductors used by

KPLC are the pure Aluminium conductor and the Aluminium core-steel reinforced conductor.

Pure Aluminium has low tensile strength and is used on short distance conductors while steel

reinforced Aluminium conductors are used on long distance conductors because steel has high tensile

strength.

Conductor sizes range from 10mm2 Cu/ 16mm2 Al single phase to 25mm2/70mm2/ 120mm2 4core/

185mm2 4 core/ 300mm2 4 core three phase Aluminium core steel reinforced.
Faults may occur on conductors due to clashing, twisting or flash over voltage. This creates a low

impedance path for current flow resulting into very high current being drawn from the supply

causing tripping of relays, damaging insulation and components of equipment such as transformer

fuses.

ACSR conductor cross-section view

Insulated ACSR conductor

Support structures
Support structures are used to anchor conductors. Support structures used in distribution by KPLC

are wooden and concrete poles.

Good support structures should have high mechanical strength, long life, low cost and light in

weight.

The wooden poles majorly used by KPLC are suitable for lines with moderate cross sectional area

and short spans of up to 60 meters. Wooden poles are majorly used because they are low cost, easily

available and have good insulating properties.

Since poles are susceptible to rotting, the soil at the base is always added a preservative. Poles can be

used singly or combined to form structures such as H pole structures for mounting transformers.
Poles vary in size and range from 10m/11KV to 11m/11KV 12m/33KV to 13.7m/15m/33KV.Poles

support conductors by use of fittings such as cross arms, insulators such as shackle and pin.

Shackle insulator

Cross arm

Pin type insulator

Connections between poles and conductors vary depending on the angle which the conductor makes

with the pole majorly due to land topography and design of the network.

The various types of connections are, Double cross arm (DXA) 0-20o, Vertical flying angle (VFA)

20-45o and vertical section (VS) 45-90o. Intermediate (INT) is for support between two poles that are

more than 60m apart and are usually placed in a straight line as re-enforcement.

There are always safety distances to be observed between the conductor and the ground/ buildings to

prevent danger due to flashover voltages. The distances are, 5m/11KV, 7m/33KV, 10m/66KV,

13m/132KV, 15m/220KV, 20m/440KV.These distances are what determine the length of pole to be

used.
KPLC facility database (FDB)
KPLC has a system called the facility database which contains a list of all transformers, meters,

switches, which can be queried by their unique identification code to get information about them

such as their locations. The facility database also contains a layout of high and low voltage networks

throughout the country including substations.

Design and construction department/ Business Development department.

This department consists of several sections i.e. design, way leaves, drawing office, survey,

construction and metering.

The following occurs in the Design and Construction department from the time a customer fills up an

electricity application form.

i. Filling of enquiry form then customer details are inserted in the ICS (Integrated Customer

System) for generation of reference number

ii. The customer’s After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) is calculated and approved.

iii. The ADMD is sent to distribution design.

iv. The design cost is approved.

v. The customer is sent a quotation.

vi. The customer pays.

vii. The service line is sent to finance for approval of payments.

viii. The service line is sent to way leaves for acquisition of way leaves issues/ right of way of

line.

ix. Wiring certificate is received.

 x. Plot reference number is created (PRN).

xi. Serial number (SRN) is generated/ customer account number.

xii. Customer account is contracted to enable them receive bills.

xiii. Construction commences to metering only if it involves a cable only or project if it involves

poles.

Costing
Design of a low voltage network to a customer is done by a contractor contracted by KPLC who then
costs the network.
Every material required in the design is grouped according to codes to simplify costing.
Code 0- cost of transformers, cut-outs, way leaves.
Code 1- high voltage transmission line.
Code 2- substation support structure.
Code 3- low voltage network.
Code 4- service cables/ overhead.
Code 6- cost of recovered material.
Code 7- underground service cable.
The contractors submit their proposals (design and costing) to the Design and Construction
department for approval.

First insertion process

This is the process by which the details captured in an electricity application form are entered into

the integrated customer system (ICS).

The details include the customer’s full names, physical address, type of customer (new, meter

separation, additional load) and the appliances used by the customer.

Once the details of the customer are entered into the ICS and saved, the saving action prompts for the

generation of a number called the customer reference number. The customer reference number. An
example is, E24402015070001. E represents the type of customer, in this case a new customer who

requires power, it can be A for a customer requesting additional load or M for a customer requesting

meter separation. 2440 represents the county code, 2015 represents the year, 070 represents the

month, 001 represents the number of customer that month.

The first insertion process is followed by the calculation of After Diversity Maximum Demand.

ADMD is the quotient of the sum of customer’s connected load and the number of loads normally

expressed in KVA.

Example: - if a customer has a 2000W iron box and a 3000W water heater, ADMD is calculated as

follows

2000W+3000W=5000W

1000W=1KVA

5000W=? (5000/1000) *1=5KVA

ADMD=5/2=2.5KVA

The ADMD is calculated in the ICS automatically upon entry of the customer’s appliances during

first insertion. Once the ADMD is calculated, it is approved and sent to distribution design for the

design process to begin.

Design of a low voltage distribution network

In the design of a low voltage network there are certain rules that apply; -

 The maximum number of customers must be connected to a circuit that the voltage limit

allows.

 Circuits must be radial from a transformer with a maximum of 600meters apart.

 Service connections must be balanced over the three phases continuously along a circuit.
To design a low voltage network that supplies distributed customers, it is critical to know the demand

load of the customers to be supplied. It is critical to know so as to determine the transformer

requirements and carry out voltage drop calculations.

To design a LV network to a customer, we first have to know the exact location of the customer by

either physically going to the site or locating them on a current satellite map such as google earth.

Once the customer is located, we perform a load calculation of both the customer and the existing

network. This is to determine whether the customer can be efficiently supplied by the existing

network /nearest transformer.

If the load of the customer is below 1MVA, then KPLC will provide for a transformer and if the load

is above 1MVA, then the customer will purchase their own transformer.

After all this is determined, a proposal is drawn of how the customer will be connected to the

existing network.

For example; -

A small commercial customer may have a machine of 30hp and requires three phase connection. The

starting current of the motor is calculated as

TX =50KVA, 80A

Motor= 30hp

1hp=746W

30hp= (30/1) x 746 = 22380W

Power= √3 x V x I x cosⱷ

22380=√3 x 415 x I x 1

I=31.14A

As can be seen, the small customer can be supported by a transformer that has a rating of 80A.
In the drawing proposal, the length of the conductor must be indicated and the position of the poles

and transformer if one is required.

Once the proposal is complete it is approved and costed, the customer is then given a quotation

indicating how much the whole construction will cost.

The quotation of the service line is done in the DCS after which the customer is asked to pay the

amount indicated in the quotation.

Contracting an account and metering

Contracting an account is the process by which a customer’s account is made active so that they may

be able to receive electricity bills after construction and connection to power.

Once an account has been contracted a report called an installation report is printed that will be used

to retrieve a meter from the store after construction of the service line is complete.

In the construction department, the customer’s assigned contractor is booked for materials that will

be needed to construct the service line as per the design.

The action of booking generates a number that will be used at the stores by the contractor to retrieve

the materials.

The contractor will construct the line and once construction is complete, the customer will be

provided with a meter to monitor their power consumption and help KPLC obtain revenue.

There are two types of meters available, they are, post-paid meter and prepaid meter.

The post-paid meter is an electrical meter that measures the power used by a consumer in kilowatt

hours (kWh). The meter is then read periodically e.g. monthly and then the customer pays as per the

rates provided.
 Post-paid electrical meter

Example

Fixed charge= Ksh 100

0-50 kWh= Ksh 3.50 per kWh

51-1500kWh= Ksh 11.78 per kWh

1500 and above= Ksh 20.34 per kWh

A domestic consumer who consumes 1000kWh will pay a bill of: -

100 + (11.78 x 1000) = ksh 11,880.

Prepaid meters with CIUs

The prepaid meter is an electrical meter that allows the customer to pay for the electricity upfront.

The meter counts backwards as electricity is consumed and has a relay which disconnects the power

when the reading on the meter reaches zero.

The prepaid meter incorporates hardware which has the ability to decipher the pin number entered

from the token and convert it to Kilowatt Hours.

Prepaid meters have the advantage of helping a customer manage their energy usage and prevent

large and unexpected bills.

Prepaid meter circuitry consists of two main components: -

 i. The measurement and control unit (MCU).

ii. The customer interface unit (CIU)/ User interface unit (UIU).

The common types of prepaid meters are: -

i. Common base

ii. Split function type.

The common base has MCU and CIU in the same casing while in the split function type, the MCU

and CIU are separate entries linked by cable or radio link.

The MCU functions as follows; -

i. It is the circuitry control centre.

ii. It has an inbuilt memory facility which interprets commands and stores data.

iii. It executes two way communications with the CIU.

The CIU is a keypad with a LCD screen installed within easy access to the customer to enable easy

interrogation of the meter.

 Prepaid meter circuitry

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Substation

A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission and distribution system. Substations

mainly receive energy transmitted at high voltage from the generating stations, transform the voltage

to a value appropriate for local distribution and provide switching facilities.

Substations generally have switching, protection and control equipment and transformers. In a large

substation, circuit breakers are used to interrupt any short circuits or overload currents that may occur

on the network. In a small substation, recloser circuit breakers or fuses are used for protection of the

distribution networks.

Substations may be on the surface in fenced enclosures, underground or in special purpose buildings.

A distribution substation transfers power from a transmission system to a distribution system of a

locale. Distribution substations mainly transform voltage to a value suitable for local distribution
since it is uneconomical to connect customers directly to the main transmission network unless they

consume large amounts of power.

The input to a distribution substation may be at least two transmission lines. Input voltage may be

33KV and output voltage via feeders 11KV. The feeders run along streets overhead/ underground and

power distribution transformers at customer’s premises or near customer premises step down voltage.

Distribution substations also isolate faults in either the transmission or distribution systems.

In a distribution substation there exists a bus bar. A bus bar is a strip of copper or aluminium on

which power is concentrated for distribution. The size of a bus bar determines the maximum amount

of current that can be safely carried.

Bus bars are either flat strips or hollow tubes as these shapes allow heat to dissipate more efficiently

due to their high surface area to cross sectional area ratio.

A bus bar may be supported on insulators or may be completely surrounded by insulation. They are

protected from accidental contact by metal earthed enclosure or elevation from normal reach.

Bus bars may be connected to each other and electrical apparatus by bolted clamps or welded

connections.

Transformers have primary windings and secondary windings through which voltage is stepped up or

down by mutual induction.

The ratio of secondary e.m.f to primary e.m.f is the voltage transformation ratio usually denoted as

E2/E1=N2/N1. N is the number of turns while E is the induced e.m.f.

The transformers in distribution substations are provided with taps in order to adjust the voltage ratio

of the transformer in accordance with the changing loads. The main type of transformer used is the

oil filled transformer that uses oil for the cooling of the major parts of the transformer. The oil filled

transformers have conservator tanks that store extra oil in case of a drop in oil level
A distribution substation must have switchgear which is a rage of equipment for switching and

interrupting the currents in the power system during normal and abnormal conditions. Switchgear

consist of: - switches, fuses, circuit breakers, isolators, relays, control panels, metering panels,

lightning arrestors, current transformers. Switchgear function to automatically disconnect faulty

points from the system and to facilitate the re-distribution of loads, inspection and maintenance of the

system.

Load check
The load on a distribution substation varies from time to time due to uncertain demand of the

consumers. The act of recording these load variations half hourly, daily after a certain period from

metering panels in the substation, is called performing a load check.

The load is recorded in amperes and analysed for the purpose of: -

 Helping in future planning and present day operations by showing how the electrical system

will perform during normal, emergency and various times of the day.

 Helping determine the proper voltage selection through transformer tap settings so that the

correct voltage will be present in the network.

 Helping in improvement of network efficiency.

The values recorded can be used to construct a load curve which can be analysed in certain ways to

give specific information for example: -

 The area under the load curve gives number of units generated in a day.

 The highest point on the load curve represents the maximum demand on the station.

 The area under the load curve divided by the total number of hours gives the average load on

the station.
  The ratio of the area under the load curve to the total area of the rectangle in which it is

contained gives the load factor

Faults
An electrical fault is an abnormal condition caused by different problems such as transformers,

human errors and environmental conditions. A fault causes an interruption to electric flows,

equipment damages and injury/death to living things (humans, birds, animals).

An electrical fault is a deviation of voltages and currents from normal values/states. Under normal

operating conditions, power system equipment/lines carry normal voltages and currents which result

in safe operation of the system.

When a fault occurs, excessively high currents flow which cause damage to equipment.

Electrical faults can be caused by: -

 Weather conditions- this includes lightning strikes, heavy rains, strong winds, salt deposition

on overhead lines and conductors. Strong winds may cause overhead conductors to clash or

twist causing a short circuit fault. The winds may also cause a branch or tree to fall on a

power line causing it to snap. These conditions interrupt power supply and damage

installations.
 Tree fallen on power line

 Equipment failure- electrical equipment like motors, generators, transformers, cause short circuit

faults due to ageing, malfunctioning, insulation failure of cables and winding. The bushings on

the line taps of a transformer may become loose with time due to the transformer vibrations and

temperature fluctuations, this may result into perhaps the disconnection of the neutral line.

Disconnection of the neutral line results into no return path for the phase currents. The red phase

currents may return via the blue phase causing double magnitude current that destroys customers’

equipment. Each phase contains 240V, disconnection of neutral will cause a phase to have

240x2=440V. Customer equipment is rated at 240V hence 440V will destroy the equipment.

These failures result in high current flowing through the equipment hence damaging them.

 Human errors- man can do errors such as selecting improper rating of equipment and also

forgetting metallic /electrical conducting parts after servicing/ maintenance of equipment and

lines.

 Ionization of particles present in the air surrounding overhead lines results in spark between the

lines or between conductors to insulator. This flashover may cause insulators to lose their

insulating capacity due to high voltages.

 Overload of the circuit- this happens when the total current demand made by the appliances

connected to the circuit exceed the circuit’s design capacity. This may cause a large current to be

drawn from supply hence damaging installations.

The primary fuses are placed in front of the transformer’s points of connection on the primary side.

The types of fuses mostly used are expulsion fuses since the starting current of a transformer may be

higher than the normal current for a short period of time, it is important that the fuse be as slow
acting as possible for that period of time so that the transformer can start. Rated voltage of expulsion

fuses is 12KV. Rated current ranges from 5/10/15/20/25/40/64 Amperes. Rated frequency is 50Hz.

Expulsion fuse

The secondary fuses are placed after the transformer’s output points of connection on the

secondary side. The total value of the fuse must not exceed the secondary current specified on the

name plate. The types of fuses mostly used are the powder fuse. (Fuse with a powder casing)

Fuse grading of a transformer is done at full load of short circuit current given by: -

Isc=Power (capacity) / √3 x V x Cos ⱷ for 3phase

Isc=Power (capacity) / V x Cos ⱷ for single phase

Pole maintenance
Maintenance of poles is essential in order to: -
  Have efficient service within the system- outages due to pole failures should be kept to a

minimum.

 Ensure safety of life and property.

A wooden pole is susceptible to decay over a period of time due to environmental conditions. A pole

that has decayed should be replaced due to the economic risks it poses, risks to life and property.

In order to replace a decayed pole, the circuit in which the pole exists should be isolated to ensure

maximum safety conditions for the operating personnel and consumers on that circuit.

A hole is dug right next to the decayed pole with its depth depending on the height of the pole. The

depth is calculated by the formula, (height of pole/10) + 2.

The new pole is erected by use of a HIAB or personnel using guy ropes. The hole is then filled with

stones, soil, and gravel until the pole is firmly in position. The operating personnel then attach the

required fittings and transfer the line from the decayed pole to the new pole after which the circuit is

made live.

Wiring and commissioning of a transformer

This is the process of installing a transformer and testing it to verify it functions according to its

design specifications and putting it into service.

The transformer is placed on the H-Pole structure at the specified location. A line patrol is done to

find the next transformer serving the circuit in which the next transformer is to be introduced and to

find a point where the circuit can be isolated for safe working conditions. The circuit in which the

new transformer is to be introduced is isolated.

The circuit to be served by the new transformer is separated from the circuit being served by the next

transformer in the network after which wiring of the new transformer begins.
The first step is to terminate the feed wires by cutting the wires to sufficient length. The wires should

then be lugged. Strip back the outer insulating of the wires with a wire stripper or knife. Insert the

wire lug over the bare conductor wire and crimp using the appropriate size crimper permanently to

the wire. Terminate the high side, high voltage of the step down transformer at the transformer line

taps and the bushings.

Earthing / grounding
Grounding / earthing is the process of connecting some part of the power system to earth or metallic

bodies of all electrical apparatus and equipment to a huge mass of earth by a wire having negligible

resistance.

Earthing involves connecting the neutral point of the supply system or the non-current carrying parts

of the electrical apparatus to the general mass of the earth in such a manner that all times an

immediate discharge of electrical energy takes place without danger.

Good earthing must have low impedance enough to ensure that sufficient current can flow through

the safety device so that it disconnects the supply.

Good earthing must have qualities such as, low electrical resistance, good corrosion resistance and

must be able to dissipate fault current repeatedly.

The purpose of earthing is to: -

  Provide an alternative path for the fault current to flow so that it will not endanger the user/

equipment.

 Ensure that all exposed conductive parts do not reach a dangerous potential.

 To provide a safe path to dissipate lightning and short circuit currents.

Surge arrestor/ diverter

A surge diverter is a device to protect electrical equipment from over voltage transients caused by

lightning (external) or switching (internal) events.

To protect equipment from transients occurring on attached conductor, a surge arrestor is connected

to the conductor just before it enters the equipment.

The surge arrestor is also connected to ground and functions by routing energy from an over voltage

transient to ground if one occurs while isolating the conductor from ground under normal operating

voltages by use of a varistor which has different resistances at different voltages.

Skills learnt during the attachment period
1.Problem solving skills- skills on handling a challenge at hand and resolving it
2. Technical skills involving wiring performing load test using software eg. Autocad, FDB
3. Communication skills- turn taking listening
4. Practical skills
5. Ethical values and skills such as integrity and teamwork
6. safety- safety begins with an individual

OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES

1. Employee malpractices- In ethical malpractices by employees who steal the company assets

mainly the cables.

2. Un updated company software facilities that slows down project management

3. Illegal connections

4. Overreliance on other network providers and system administrators that can shut down

anytime

5. Insufficient labour and employee capacity to handle a larger power grid

6. Inconsistent inspection of power lines to avert power outages

7. Customer service and customer experience that is not to its potential

8. Monopoly-Kenya power being a monopoly in power transmission and distribution in some

instances tends not to be sensitive on the customer’s needs. This is evident mainly on the many

delays in installation and emergency responses.

 RECOMMENDATIONS
1.Frequently updating company facilities help check out system delays and congestion
2. using alternatives for google services would help check out overreliance on google maps
3. motivation of employees help in work efficiency
4. regularly doing inspections would help avert power outages and failures
5. increasing employee capacity would help cover a larger power grid
6. the company should equip employees with necessary PPEs that are up to standard requirements for
safety
7. Having a robust and a well-trained customer service staff help build image of the company.
8. Allowing favorable competition in the energy sector help check out monopoly

Design considerations
• Branding of materials

• Use of steel earthing materials

• Bloc wall fencing of substations

• Use of special conductors

• Deployment of tubular pylons

CONCLUSION
The attachment period has helped me gain confidence, necessary knowledge and competent skills

around electrical and electronics engineering. The exposure to real working environment and good

working conditions has been an eye opener to various projects and job opportunities in the

engineering field. Furthermore, the skills learnt will go a far in building my capacity in the field of

engineering and my social life.

REFERENCES
1. https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power4.htm

2. https://www.ketraco.co.ke/

3. https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/electric-transformer/power-

transformers.html#:~:text=Power%20transformers%20are%20electrical

%20instruments,generators%20and%20distribution%20primary%20circuits.