In the push towards a sustainable future, San Francisco-based cloud-based software company Salesforce has unveiled a solution tailored for energy and utility companies in Kenya and across the region.

The new Clean Energy Programme Management within the Energy & Utilities Cloud promises to revolutionize the way clean energy programs are launched, managed, and monitored.

By leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Salesforce aims to boost customer participation in clean energy initiatives, paving the way for a greener tomorrow in Kenya and Africa.

Salesforce's Energy & Utilities Cloud, which is built on the Einstein 1 Platform, offers a suite of tools to facilitate the management of clean energy programs.

With its emphasis on connected data and personalized engagement, the platform enables utilities to efficiently manage energy efficiency, conservation, electrification, and EV charging programs.

By digitizing and simplifying the application process, Salesforce says the platform enhances customer experience and increases enrollment in clean energy and energy efficiency programs.

Currently, renewable energy sources account for more than 80 percent of Kenya's electricity generation, positioning the country, with a population of over 50 million people, firmly on track to achieve its target of transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2030.

Read also: Sparking growth in emerging tech startups

Efficiency through automation

One of the key features of the Clean Energy Programme Management is the Program Management Console, a tool that allows program managers to easily track and manage residential, commercial, and industrial programs.

With automation capabilities powered by Salesforce Flow, data validations, and prebuilt formulas, the console helps utilities reduce human error and streamline regulatory-required data collection.

Additionally, dashboards provide real-time insights into program performance, milestones, and goals.

The Customer Self-Service Portal empowers utility customers to discover and learn about energy efficiency programs and offers. Through an intuitive interface, customers can easily search for and access available rebates, incentives, new rates, and income-qualified offers.

The portal also allows customers to apply for programs, be matched with service providers, and receive benefits – all from their energy retailer or utility’s website.

The Contractor Portal serves as a central hub for outside contractors to communicate and collaborate with utilities. Contractors can enroll in programs, discover leads, and upload work in bulk, simplifying the management of rebate applications and invoices.

Automation within the portal ensures that contractors and their customers are reimbursed faster, even with a growing volume of work.

Salesforce Director of Engineering Solutions Africa, Linda Saunders, said: "The energy and utilities sector has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to guide their customers toward a clean and sustainable future."

With Clean Energy Programme Management on Salesforce’s AI, data, and CRM platform, energy and utility companies can forge strong partnerships with their customers and communities, accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions.

[email protected]