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BPL Global(R), Ltd. (BPLG), Pittsburg, a smart grid technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of energy efficiency and reliability, has announced that the company has signed a 5-year modern grid contract in partnership with BPL Africa, with Ghana's national utility, Volta River Authority (VRA). The agreement implements smart grid technologies and broadband over power line (BPL) communications technology on the 11kV power distribution network of VRA. Ghana is making a transformational investment in their electrical and communications infrastructure to accelerate economic development. Their modern grid investment allows VRA to significantly increase the productivity of their existing electrical network by delivering additional electricity and communications services.
In July 2008, BPLG and BPL Africa deployed a pilot project for VRA demonstrating a modern grid. VRA declared the pilot project a great success, exceeding their goals for return on investment, improved energy efficiency and service reliability. Consequently, VRA has decided to deploy the smart grid and BPL solutions across their power distribution network. Phase 1 of the project provides services to the following areas: Akosombo (population 15,000), Sunyani (population 80,000), and Tamale (population 305,000), the capital of the Northern region of Ghana.
"In Ghana, demand for electricity has been increasing at a rate of 10 to 15 percent per annum for the last two decades. Thus an important...