Throughout the last quarter of 2011 and first of 2012, Efacec successfully concluded the Factory Acceptance Tests and Training for the first Efacec substation automation systems, featuring protection and control, for the Kenyan distribution utility KPLC (Kenya Power & Lighting Company).

Tests were performed at Efacec facilities in Maia, jointly with the customer, in three batches, totalizing 7 substation systems. The scope of supply of the tested systems included CLP 500SAS platform, the unified solution for substation automation, integrating the Efacec bay control units, terminal protection units (range TPU x420), as well as third party protection relays and measurement devices. The communication standard adopted is IEC 61850, using GOOSE and MMS protocols, and IEC 60870-5-101/104 for upstream communication with the Load Dispatch Center SCADA system, both of which were tested accordingly.

KPLC is a public company responsible for transmission, distribution and retail of electricity to customers throughout Kenya. The national transmission and distribution network has an extension of about 41,500 kilometers of grid lines, and serves more than 1,500,000 customers.