Managing Director of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) Hussain Fahmy has announced the company's network has been successfully upgraded to a smart grid. He made the announcement during a press conference dedicated to discussing the smart grid project.
Speaking at the event, Fahmy explained that all STELCO engines are now operated via a SCADA system, with the distribution network upgraded to a smart grid. This upgrade allows for centralised control and real-time load calculations of all transformers from STELCO's head office in Male' City. He also highlighted that the company has implemented a system to manage engine operations through the smart grid.
Fahmy further noted that while the entire network has been converted to a smart grid, the installation of smart meters is still ongoing. The delay in rolling out smart meters, he explained, was necessary to first establish the smart grid infrastructure, ensuring a comprehensive solution when both the smart grid and smart meters are fully integrated. The company aims to transition all its customers to smart meters within the next three years.
Additionally, Chief Technical Officer at STELCO Ahmed Iqbal stated that smart grids have been installed on all but three islands where the company provides electricity. He projected that by the end of next year, the system will be fully operational, enabling the monitoring of electricity loads across all islands from the head office. STELCO also emphasized that the smart grid will significantly reduce the time required to restore power during outages.