The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has entered into a joint venture with Hong Kong-based technology company Youtility to modernise South Africa’s (SA) electricity sector. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain billing technology, the project, which forms part of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Programme, aims to enhance the way electricity is monitored, billed and distributed, a critical move as SA continues to integrate more renewable energy sources into its national grid.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Leigh Jarvis, Acting Director of the programme, said the collaboration will use advanced digital tools to give users real-time insight into their electricity consumption and costs. This, he explained, could ultimately help smooth out demand spikes and reduce pressure on the grid during peak periods.
“The technology enables real-time monitoring of people’s power usage, and there’s an AI overlay that identifies consumption patterns, for instance, the morning and evening peaks when people wake up, cook or shower,” Jarvis said.
“These peaks put a hectic strain on the grid, and if we could smooth them out, we’d probably have enough electricity in the system.”
The solution integrates AI with localised solar and battery storage infrastructure across UKZN’s five campuses. The system intelligently deploys stored solar energy during high-demand periods, reducing dependency on the national grid.
Jarvis noted that one of the key benefits of real-time data monitoring is improved visibility and control, “You get a constant snapshot of what’s happening in the network. And with AI on top of that, we can make smarter, faster decisions to distribute electricity more efficiently.”
The blockchain component of the platform allows for secure and transparent billing, enabling users to track their payments instantly and ensuring a more accountable system for both consumers and suppliers.
The pilot phase will see implementation at UKZN campuses, with potential for wider rollout across SA.
--SABC/ChannelAfrica--
