Power Development Services
Power Development Services (PDS), founded 1994 in Johannesburg, supplies, installs, and maintains standby power systems — diesel generators, UPS, solar, and voltage optimization — for enterprise, industrial, and mining clients across South Africa and Botswana.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersJohannesburg, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Power Development Services does
Power Development Services (Pty) Ltd (PDS) is a South African specialist in stand-by electricity and power-generating equipment, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. The company supplies, installs, and maintains integrated standby power systems for domestic, commercial, corporate, industrial, and mining clients. Its core product portfolio spans diesel generators from 10kVA to 2,250kVA (using Volvo, Perkins, Scania, Cummins, Deutz, and John Deere engines with Marelli and Leroy-Somer alternators), Kehua UPS systems from 1kVA to 1,200kVA, solar solutions including panels, inverters, batteries and 150-200L solar geysers, and Powerstar patented voltage optimization units. Supporting offerings include DSE-based remote monitoring with IP/SMS alerts, automatic static transfer switches, and turnkey project delivery including civil works and reticulation.
The company's go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales — phone, email, WhatsApp, and a quote-request web form — targeting named customers such as Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Tiger Brands, and CFAO Motors. Revenue is generated across four streams: one-time hardware sales (generators, UPS, solar equipment sourced from global OEMs), professional installation/commissioning and relocation services, and recurring multi-year Service Level Agreements in three tiers (Level 1 next-business-day; Level 2 same-day with weekend coverage; Level 3 4-hour response with 24/7 on-site and telephone support). PDS holds the exclusive distributorship for Kehua UPS in South Africa and Botswana (since October 2019), distributes patented Powerstar voltage optimization technology, and is integrated via common ownership with sister company Gillespie Diesel Services (GDS, formed 2003), which manufactures and assembles diesel generators using Volvo, John Deere, Perkins, Lovol, and Mitsubishi platforms for installation and maintenance by PDS personnel.
Power Development Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Power Development Services
- Legal name
- Power Development Services (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://pdspower.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Power Development Services (PDS), founded 1994 in Johannesburg, supplies, installs, and maintains standby power systems — diesel generators, UPS, solar, and voltage optimization — for enterprise, industrial, and mining clients across South Africa and Botswana.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Power Development Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Standby Power Solutions
- NAICS
- Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336), Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing (333611), Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing (335311), Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors (23821)
- SIC
- Motors & Generators (3621), Engines & Turbines (3510), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Power, Distribution & Specialty Transformers (3612)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs) & Rack Power (HDACAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Power Distribution & Switchgear (UPS, PDUs, Busway) (HDABAKAA)
Keywords
Where Power Development Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Johannesburg
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices2 records
Markets served
Power Development Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of diesel generators, UPS systems, solar panels, inverters, batteries, and power monitoring equipment. Products sourced from world-class manufacturers including Volvo, Perkins, Scania, Cummins, Deutz, John Deere, Kehua, and others.
- Installation and Commissioning: Professional installation, reticulation, and commissioning of stand-by power plants including related civil work. Installation and maintenance performed by professionally trained and experienced personnel.
- Service Level Agreements: Recurring maintenance contracts with three tiers offering varying response times, coverage periods, and support levels including 24/7 emergency call-out facilities.
- Relocation Services: Relocation services for existing power systems and equipment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 1 SLA - Basic coverage with next business day response |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 2 SLA - Enhanced coverage with same-day response |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 3 SLA - Premium 24/7 coverage with 4-hour response |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Power Development Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Power Development Services (PDS) supplies standby electricity and power-generating equipment — diesel generators, UPS systems, solar solutions, and voltage optimization units — for domestic, commercial, corporate, industrial, and mining clients. The company also provides installation, reticulation, commissioning, relocation, and tiered 24/7 maintenance services for stand-by power plants, complemented by sister-company generator manufacturing through Gillespie Diesel Services.
Product overview
Power Development Services (PDS) is a specialist stand-by power solutions provider founded in 1994, offering an integrated portfolio of power protection products and services. The core product lineup includes Diesel Generators (10kVA-2250kVA from Volvo, Perkins, Scania, Cummins, Deutz, John Deere), Kehua UPS systems (1kVA-1200kVA including modular solutions), Solar Solutions with panels/inverters/batteries and 150L-200L Solar Geysers, and Powerstar Voltage Optimization units. Supporting products include Static Switches for automatic power transfer and Monitoring Applications using DSE controllers with SMS/IP network capabilities. Services encompass Turnkey Solutions for end-to-end project delivery, three-tiered Service Level Agreements, and 24/7 After Sales Service with remote monitoring and maintenance support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Solar Solutions & Geysers Solar panel, inverter, battery, and solar geyser solutions (150L and 200L High-Pressure Solar Geysers) for residential and commercial properties.
- UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) Kehua UPS systems ranging from 1kVA to 1200kVA for industrial applications, including rack/tower series, modular UPS, and various power capacities.
- Diesel Generators Standby power generators from 10kVA to 2250kVA prime rating using Volvo, Perkins, Scania, Cummins, Deutz, and John Deere engines with Marelli and Leroy-Somer alternators.
- Powerstar Voltage Optimization Voltage optimization units that adjust incoming grid voltage to align with equipment needs, reducing energy consumption, costs, and carbon emissions while extending equipment lifespan. Holds worldwide patents and carries a 15-year warranty.
- Static Switches Automatic transfer switches enabling rapid switching between power sources for both single and three-phase powered outlets.
- Monitoring Applications Remote monitoring systems using DSE controllers (DSEWebNet, DSE890) for fuel status, service intervals, and unit shutdown alerts via IP network and SMS.
- Turnkey Solutions Comprehensive project management from planning through commissioning, including installation, reticulation, and civil work for stand-by power plants.
- Service Level Agreements Three-tiered SLA packages (Level 1, 2, 3) offering varying response times from next business day to 4-hour same-day callouts, with 24/7 support options and multi-year contracts.
- After Sales Service 24/7 emergency callout facility with preventative maintenance visits, equipment condition reports, and remote monitoring.
Quantifiable outcome
- 600kW solar solution with 840 panels installed at major motor dealership
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Power Development Services
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Power Development Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Power Development Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- KehuacoreAs of October 2019, PDS became the exclusive distributors of Kehua UPS equipment for South Africa and Botswana. Kehua specializes in the design and manufacture of uninterrupted power supplies offering premium-quality products and highly reliable AC & DC industrial solutions. Founded in 1988 with 32 years of experience, they have installed UPS units in 104 countries with 3 R&D centers and 5 production warehouses.
- Gillespie Diesel Services (GDS)coreSister company specializing in the manufacture and assembly of diesel generators built to suit commercial, corporate, industrial, and mining sectors. Uses world-renowned brands including Volvo, John Deere, Perkins, Lovol, and Mitsubishi. On completion of units, generators are installed and maintained by PDS professionally trained personnel. Formed in 2003 by PDS owners in conjunction with Billy Gillespie.
- Infinity Power ServicesminorCompany specializing in UPS and Diesel Generator Training offering four levels: End User Training, First Line Maintenance, Basic Training, and Comprehensive Training. All project work is carried out by in-house teams and in conjunction with affiliate companies including PDS.
- PowerstarcoreVoltage optimization units supplier. PDS supplies and installs Powerstar voltage optimization technology which adjusts voltage from the national grid to align with organization equipment needs, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Technology has worldwide patents and 15-year warranty.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Power Development Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Aggreko: Aggreko provides temporary and permanent power solutions including generators and battery storage, with a strong presence in Africa and mining. Closely comparable to PDS in standby and prime power solutions for industrial and mining customers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Kehua Tech: Kehua is a Chinese UPS and power electronics manufacturer whose products PDS distributes in South Africa and Botswana. As a manufacturer, Kehua represents direct competition in the underlying UPS market, in addition to being a key supplier.
Broad incumbents
- Cummins: Cummins is a global manufacturer of diesel engines and generator sets, including Power Generation solutions. PDS uses Cummins engines in its generators, making Cummins both a supplier and a structural competitor in the standby generator market.
- Vertiv Holdings: Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and power protection solutions, including UPS systems, switchgear, and monitoring. Highly comparable to PDS in UPS, power conditioning, and remote monitoring offerings, though operating at a much larger scale across data centers and industrial customers worldwide.
- Eaton Corporation: Eaton is a global power management company offering UPS systems, power distribution, and switchgear products. Directly overlaps with PDS's UPS and power distribution portfolio, but serves a broader enterprise and data center customer base globally.
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric offers UPS, power distribution, and energy management solutions across commercial and industrial markets. Comparable to PDS in UPS and electrical contracting-adjacent capabilities, but with a global footprint and broader digital energy platform.
- Caterpillar (CAT): Caterpillar's Electric Power division provides diesel and gas generator sets for standby and prime power. Comparable to PDS's generator offerings across industrial and mining segments, with a much larger global dealer and service network.
Regional players
- Bidvest Power: Bidvest Power is a South African provider of standby power, UPS, and generator solutions serving commercial and industrial clients. Competitor in the same domestic market with similar product lines and customer segments.
- Critical Care Power: Critical Care Power is a South African standby power solutions provider focused on commercial and industrial generators, UPS, and turnkey installations. Comparable regional competitor targeting the same market segments and customer types.
- Powertech Systems: Powertech is a South African power solutions provider offering UPS, generators, and electrical infrastructure for industrial clients. Regional competitor with overlapping product offerings and customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Power Development Services social profiles
Digital presencePower Development Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Power Development Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Power Development Services subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Power Development Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Power Development Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Power Development Services
What does Power Development Services do?
Power Development Services (PDS) supplies standby electricity and power-generating equipment — diesel generators, UPS systems, solar solutions, and voltage optimization units — for domestic, commercial, corporate, industrial, and mining clients. The company also provides installation, reticulation, commissioning, relocation, and tiered 24/7 maintenance services for stand-by power plants, complemented by sister-company generator manufacturing through Gillespie Diesel Services.
Is Power Development Services a public or private company?
Power Development Services is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Power Development Services founded?
Power Development Services was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Power Development Services based?
Power Development Services is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Power Development Services make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are installation and Commissioning, service Level Agreements and relocation Services.
Who are Power Development Services's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Aggreko and Kehua Tech. Broad incumbents are Cummins, Vertiv Holdings, Eaton Corporation, Schneider Electric and Caterpillar (CAT). Regional players are Bidvest Power, Critical Care Power and Powertech Systems.
Does Power Development Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for Power Development Services.
What industry is Power Development Services in?
Power Development Services's product category is Standby Power Solutions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAJAC, Power Distribution Units (PDUs) & Rack Power, with a secondary code of HDABAKAA, Power Distribution & Switchgear (UPS, PDUs, Busway). Its NAICS code is 3336 and its SIC code is 3621.