An Energy Saving Success Story

Background

More people are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of carbon emissions through the burning of coal as a source of power and that the current rate of energy consumption cannot continue in a growing economy if future generations are to enjoy some of the beauty of our planet.

So what is to be done about this situation?

If everyone did their little bit every day, we would already be entrenching a pattern of thinking which would influence government policy by forcing businesses to conduct themselves responsibly. The eventual outcome would be a healthier environment within which we can all live with a freer conscience.

Competent Team

Imagine an electricity saving idea formed 15 years ago becoming a reality in a company established in Gauteng in 2009. It is composed of a team of five dynamic, qualified and competent individuals assisted by Softstart BTI to make their dream a reality.

They have relevant experience in their field of expertise; understand the challenges lying ahead and possess sufficient personal energy and resources to tackle the long road that will bring their energy saving products into every home in South Africa.

Sibusiso Sepeng, Kenneth van Rooyen, Lovies Miya, Mike Taggart and   established KML Grid Solutions as a Cleantech niche company in the electricity savings market with the intention of bringing this benefit to every home via their Municipality.

Cost Effectiveness

The primary product is the Electro Commander, a Geyser Energy Saver that works by reducing the electricity bill of the consumer and their local Municipality.

Installation of this eco-friendly device into the home brings an SABS-proven 23% saving in monthly electricity bills.  The beauty of the product lies in its simplicity. It takes the form of a little device that is easy to install by plugging into the mains power supply.

The advantage it offers Municipalities is that electricity consumption can be monitored remotely, allowing them to plan their annual budgets in advance of actual expenditure.

Business Model

KML Grid Solutions are working on the premise of forming strategic partnerships with co-ops, municipalities and city councils. They are already on the verge of sealing one such agreement with a local municipality based in Gauteng to roll-out a pilot programme.

KML Grid Solutions investigated the key challenges facing Municipalities; namely, conforming to energy usage requirements and providing exceptional back-up service to ensure reduced consumption levels. The team are engaging local communities as a source of labour for their job-creation initiatives flowing from their enterprise.

The Future

With the premise that they would eventually supply the marketplace with additional products like wireless systems for alarm devices, systems and cost effective emergency lighting and low-wattage lighting solutions for commercial and industrial applications, KML Grid Solutions is committed to a future of ongoing research and development in the Cleantech arena to reduce man`s carbon footprint.  There is also a commitment to staying ahead of technology advances and to offer clients better, more cost-effective products.

Additional Information

In March 2009, KML became part of Softstart BTI, an ICT Incubator based in Midrand, Gauteng and is now recognised by both the DTI and SEDA. In addition to their core offering, GMS Mk 2 (their innovation)  was endorsed by The Central Energy Fund as a key product in the national effort to reduce electrical consumption.

In January 2010, KML Grid Solutions Pty (Ltd) was recognised by Infodev as being a top innovator for clean technologies worldwide.  Infodev is a division of World Bank and promotes innovation development in their climate technology programme. See www.infodev.org/climate.



Tags: Softstart  BTI