Evergy Partners with Kigen to Enhance Grid Resilience and Efficiency

Evergy, a major utility provider in the Midwest United States, has announced a partnership with Kigen to enhance the resilience of its power grid. This collaboration aims to unify private and public network systems through Kigen’s secure eSIM operating system (OS) and embedded identity management (eIM) solution. The integration is designed to improve reliability and ensure seamless connectivity, particularly in the face of severe weather conditions and increasing energy demands.

The move comes as Evergy serves approximately 1.7 million customers across Kansas and Missouri. By adopting Kigen’s technology, the utility aims to create a robust automated connectivity layer that streamlines operations and minimizes disruptions caused by severe thunderstorms, routine network upgrades, and other challenges that can impact real-time telemetry.

Strategic Focus on Reliability and Automation

Evergy’s commitment to reliability is central to its operational strategy, which also emphasizes affordability and sustainability. As the utility integrates distributed energy resources (DERs) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), maintaining uninterrupted connectivity is crucial. The existing LTE network, which currently covers 100 sites and supports thousands of IoT sensors, is expected to expand significantly, necessitating a seamless transition between private and public networks.

Bill Franzen, lead radio engineer at Evergy, highlighted the importance of automated systems in modernizing grid operations. He stated, “Uninterrupted device data means visibility and preparation against outages from both the fast-changing energy transition and unpredictable severe weather.” He further noted that Kigen’s solutions are poised to establish a new benchmark in grid resilience.

Kigen’s eSIM OS and eIM solution offer Evergy the flexibility to manage its connectivity dynamically. This includes features such as a network rescue and recovery applet, which automates failover between private LTE and preferred public networks according to predefined business rules. Operations can be centrally managed through Kigen Pulse, enabling effective control across various geographic locations and asset types.

Ensuring Cybersecurity and Future-Ready Infrastructure

In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, cybersecurity remains a top priority. Evergy’s deployment will utilize Kigen’s eIM, hosted at a secure site in Dublin, which adheres to the GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme for Subscription Management (SAS-SM). This certification ensures compliance with the latest IoT eSIM specifications, providing a trusted foundation for secure operations.

Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen, emphasized the importance of dynamic automation in achieving reliable and intelligent grid operations. “As utilities navigate the energy transition, uninterrupted connectivity is the foundation for AI, dynamic billing, and DER integration,” he stated. With Kigen’s technology, utilities can take control of their connectivity and develop the intelligent grids necessary for future demands.

Kigen’s eIM solution has been recognized as the 2025 IoT Solution of the Year by the Mobile Breakthrough Awards. The company plans to showcase its solutions at upcoming industry events, including UBBA Plugfest and Enlit Europe, demonstrating how utilities can leverage eSIM technology to build secure, future-ready networks.

As Evergy moves forward with this partnership, the company reaffirms its mission to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to its customers. With innovative solutions like those offered by Kigen, Evergy is taking significant steps toward a resilient energy future.