Technology

SparkMeter Signs Two New Contracts in Somalia to Modernize African Utilities

Published

1 month ago

August 20, 2024

Today, residents in Somalia pay some of the world’s highest prices for electricitySparkMeter is implementing Somalia’s first smart grid project with NECSOM, and has started commercial deployment with Caabudwaq Electric Company (CECO)An additional pilot program with Blue Sky Energy grows SparkMeter’s reach to a total of 75,000 homes in Somalia to date

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SparkMeter, a provider of grid management services and solutions that increase access to reliable electricity in underserved communities across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, announced new contracts with two utilities in Somalia to support the digitalization of the country’s electricity grids.

Today, residents in Somalia pay some of the world’s highest prices for electricity. Serving hard-to-reach customers, utilities suffer from loss of revenue. In partnership with local utilities, SparkMeter is offering grid monitoring solutions to address these challenges. To improve the cost and reliability of electricity for Somali consumers, SparkMeter’s digitalization solutions help mitigate system losses, manage assets, and forecast consumption patterns.

During the initial pilot program with SparkMeter, Caabudwaq Electric Company (CECO) – the largest utility in Galmudug State – reduced its systemwide electricity losses and improved collections through faster and more accurate meter readings. Today, SparkMeter is planning to deliver its solution across CECO’s entire 10,000 customer base. As a result, CECO now plans to raise investment for new clean energy projects.

“In Somalia, the majority of utilities must manage operations manually, requiring utility teams to physically take meter readings and log usage data. The entire process is time-intensive and prone to errors and delays,” said Mr. Giama Guled, Chairman of CECO. “Now, with the introduction of SparkMeter’s technology, customer meter reads and billing processes are streamlined and customers have a wider range of payment options. This significantly reduces our system losses and allows us to provide better service to our customers.”

In tandem, SparkMeter is initiating a pilot program with another Somali utility, Blue Sky Energy, to mitigate system losses.

Following SparkMeter’s pilot program with National Energy Corporation of Somalia (NECSOM), SparkMeter commenced a system-wide rollout to all 20,000 of the utility’s customers. In a first-of-its-kind smart grid project in Somalia, SparkMeter’s solution allows NECSOM to detect and quantify losses, identify overloaded transformers, and offer flexible billing and payment options to its customers. As a result, the utility is improving its financial position and increasing the amount of renewable energy on its grid.

“Before we started using SparkMeter’s technology, NECSOM needed two weeks to do meter readings and then generate and distribute invoices to our customers. Now with the help of SparkMeter, we will have access to accurate billing information in less than 10 hours once the technology is fully implemented, letting us spend our time on other essential processes,” said Mohamed Ahmed, CFO of NECSOM.

Somalia is one of 30 countries where SparkMeter is active. “The first step to closing the energy access gap in emerging markets is to empower utilities with transformative smart grid management solutions to decarbonize electricity distribution,” said Dan Schnitzer, CEO of SparkMeter. “Our utility customers in Somalia are some of the most forward-thinking leaders we’ve worked with, and we’re proud to continue to partner with them to ensure equitable energy access with utilities across the country.”

About SparkMeter
Founded in 2013, SparkMeter provides grid-management solutions tailored to emerging markets, where 2.1 billion people live without reliable electricity access. Active in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia and North America, its simple plug-and-play solution enables microgrids and distribution utilities operating in remote locations to access a range of features – flexible billing, customer communications, and remote monitoring and control – that improve their operations and help them achieve financial sustainability.

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Technology

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm Launches the Mullen & Mullen Music Project

Published

48 mins ago

September 23, 2024

Supporting Local Independent Music Venues and Artists

DALLAS, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dallas based Mullen & Mullen Law Firm proudly announces the launch of the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, a dynamic initiative created in partnership with Spune Productions. The collaboration is designed to celebrate and rejuvenate the North Texas music scene by offering a platform for both emerging and established artists. The initiative kicked off with a Concert Series at local independent music venues.

Supporting Local Talent and Venues
Running from August to April, the Mullen & Mullen Music Project will feature 12 concerts at some of North Texas’s most cherished venues. The series kicked off on August 6th with a performance by Ben Nichols of Lucero at Club Dada. The Quaker City Night Hawks made their triumphant return at Tulips FTW on August 30th after a touring hiatus. The Quaker City Night Hawks concert was filmed on professional grade video cameras installed at the venue by the Music Project and live-edited by the firm’s videographer Sean Pollaro – himself a musician. The new cameras at Tulips FTW will serve as a wonderful content creation tool for local artists.

Enhancing the Music Experience
The Music Project has allowed participating venues to expedite substantial upgrades already underway. Ferris Wheelers Live has enhanced its suites and stage while embarking on an ambitious Ferris Wheel lighting project. Club Dada has upgraded its outdoor patio stage, and Tulips FTW installed the beforementioned state-of-the-art video and streaming system, enabling artists to record music and stream live performances. Each venue will also feature new murals designed and created by local artists.

A Community-Centered Initiative
Shane Mullen, Managing Attorney at Mullen & Mullen Law Firm, shared the firm’s vision: “The trust and loyalty of the North Texas community have been the foundation of our success. This project is our way of giving back by enriching the local cultural landscape and supporting the artists and venues that make our region unique.”

Corey Pond, General Manager of Spune Productions, added: “This initiative addresses the challenges faced by the indie music scene, providing more opportunities for local artists and supporting our cherished venues. It underscores the power of community, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of local music.”

Join Us in Celebrating Local Music
Over the coming months, experience the vibrant revival of North Texas’s music scene with us. Together, let’s strengthen our community while supporting local artists and independent venues. This is our backyard – let’s make it rock!

For more information, visit: https://www.mullenandmullen.com/music/

About Mullen & Mullen Law Firm:
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm has been privileged to represent injured North Texans for over 41 years. The firm is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest personal injury settlements in the entire state of Texas. In the last 4 years, Mullen & Mullen made the “Top 50” list 44 times and the “Top 100” list 70 times. The firm offers the services of two investigators and an award-winning videographer. Website: https://www.mullenandmullen.com

About Spune Productions:
Spune Productions is an independent leader in curating and delivering distinctive music events across Texas. Committed to enhancing communities, Spune specializes in creating impactful experiences that resonate with audiences and reflect clients’ brands. From intimate gatherings to large-scale spectacles, Spune Productions tailors each event to amplify stories through the transformative power of music. Website: https://spune.com/

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SOURCE Mullen & Mullen Law Firm

Technology

Corteva to Participate in BMO Ag-Apalooza

Published

48 mins ago

September 23, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) announces that Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Magro, will speak at the 2024 BMO Ag-Apalooza event at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Remarks will be webcast live. The webcast can be accessed through the Corteva Investor Relations website. A replay of the presentation will be available 24 hours after the presentation ends and will be accessible until October 24, 2024.

About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the Company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

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SOURCE Corteva, Inc.

Technology

SEEDING JUSTICE MAKES COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR OREGON AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY MULTIPLE CLIMATE BURDENS ON A GLOBAL STAGE AT THE CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TODAY

Published

48 mins ago

September 23, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Seeding Justice’s Executive Director, Se-ah-dom Edmo, joins global leaders in expanding the nonprofit organization’s commitment to an inclusive green economy focusing on clean energy initiatives created by and for impacted communities.

Click here to watch Seeding Justice’s commitment video and learn more.

What:

Clinton Global Initiative

Who:

Se-ah-dom Edmo, Executive Director, Seeding Justice

When:

September 23, 2024

Where:

New York City, New York

Seeding Justice is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 and is the region’s largest funder of grassroots organizing and community-led grantmaking.

We focus our work on frontline communities and use community guidance and leadership to help fund the most critical causes, including a new fund to support a community-centered, clean energy future.

Since 2020, our Community Fund program has granted nearly $34 million to communities across the state through Funds like the Reproductive Health Equity Fund and the Child Care Capacity Building Fund. Seeding Justice is also the founding funder of Oregon Worker Relief, the largest program of its kind in the state, and has supported the dispersal of more than $180 million through the Fund, which helps immigrant Oregonians make ends meet.

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SOURCE Seeding Justice