Access to electricity remains a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 77% of the global population without electricity resides. In many of the region’s largest cities, daily power supply often falls below 12 hours, leaving individuals and businesses reliant on expensive or environmentally harmful alternatives like generators.
While solar solutions offer promise for end consumers, opportunities still exist for products that enhance power distribution. Beacon Power Services (BPS), an energy technology company focused on improving electricity distribution efficiency, is addressing these challenges with its innovative data and grid management solutions. Recently, the company announced the successful closure of a $2.7 million seed funding round.Founded in 2014 by aerospace engineer and former investment banker Bimbola Adisa, BPS leverages technology to tackle inefficiencies in Africa’s power sector. Adisa’s extensive experience in the U.S. power industry exposed him to the potential of technology in improving energy management. Recognizing similar opportunities in Nigeria and beyond, he launched BPS to create tailored solutions for power distribution companies in Africa.
BPS provides utilities with two main products:
Adora
This AI-powered grid management platform offers real-time insights into network performance, enabling utilities to monitor every asset and customer node. Adora helps identify and address outages quickly, minimize losses, and optimize electricity distribution. These improvements benefit utilities by enhancing operational efficiency and boosting revenue, while customers enjoy more reliable power supply.
CAIMs (Customer and Asset Information Management System)
African utilities often struggle with maintaining accurate databases for customers and grid assets, compounded by challenges like poor address systems. CAIMs addresses this by digitizing and organizing critical data, laying the groundwork for better network management.“Africa’s urban growth demands reliable electricity. Yet, the solutions designed for mature markets often fail to meet the continent’s unique infrastructure challenges,” said Adisa. “We developed tailored systems that improve electricity access and reliability in Africa’s cities, driving progress for businesses and residents alike.”
BPS has grown to serve four utilities across Nigeria and Ghana, reaching over 8 million customers. The company operates on a long-term partnership model, deferring upfront technology costs in favor of performance-based payments that reflect the value created for its clients.Unlike generic off-the-shelf products designed for more developed regions, BPS’s solutions are customized for Africa’s specific needs. They account for frequent power outages and unreliable network communications, which are common challenges across the continent.
The $2.7 million funding round was led by Seedstars Africa Ventures, with additional participation from Persistent Energy, Kepple Africa Ventures, Factor[e], and Oridun Capital Management. Maxime Bouan, managing partner at Seedstars Africa Ventures, commented on the investment: “Addressing climate change is critical, and supporting localized innovations like BPS is essential for sustainable development in Africa.”With this funding, BPS aims to enhance its current products by introducing new features and automation capabilities. The company also plans to expand beyond its existing markets in Nigeria and Ghana, exploring opportunities in other African countries.Adisa remains optimistic about the company’s impact: “We’re committed to empowering Africa’s utilities with the tools they need to provide consistent and reliable electricity, which is essential for the region’s growth and prosperity.”
