The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has validated the kick-off of public consultative workshop on the proposed Retail Tariff Application (RTA) starting tomorrow in Nakuru followed by Eldoret, Kisumu and later proceed to the rest of the country before adjourning for a resolution from the collected views from stakeholders.
EPRA Director General, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria said that during tomorrow’s session, Kenya Power will be presenting the proposed RTA to be applicable for the tariff control period 2022/23 to 2025/26 calling on residents, manufacturers, companies, universities and all energy stakeholders to attend and share ideas ahead of the presentation.
“EPRA is committed towards improving the country’s energy regulatory framework to realize a safe, affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy for all Kenyans,” said Kiptoo.
The DG noted that the draft regulations once adopted will ensure consumers only pay for expenses incurred by utilities in a prudent manner and promote sustainable development while taking into account the needs of all citizens.
On whether EPRA should embrace power from the neighbouring country Ethiopia as an option to bring down cost of electricity on the proposed charges, the DG reiterated that even though Ethiopia’s power is cheap, the cost and maintenance fees make the charges surge.
Kenya Power plans to increase its revenue up to 20 per cent up from Sh157 billion collected from agency sectors last year.
In approval of the Draft Electricity Tariff, Regulatory Accounts and Integrated Energy Plan Regulations 2022, Kiptoo said they will “ensure that charges for the energy sector services are transparent and reflective of costs.”
While speaking today during the validation workshop, Kiptoo said the energy regulatory agency is committed to improving the country’s energy regulatory framework.
The proposed retail tariff application will see electricity prices hiked both on domestic and commercial consumers.
According to Kenya Power Acting Chief Executive Geoffrey Muli, over 6.3 million Kenyans remain on lifeline tariff consuming less than 30 units of electricity annually majority of which use electricity during pick hours.
“We encourage Kenyans to embrace a 24-hour economy and make use of late night power to reduce power shortages experienced during pick hours,” stated Muli.
Considering the competitive nature of power production with neighbouring countries, Muli said Kenya Power is working towards creating a regional sufficient electricity production unlike the neighbour countries who experience unreliable power
Muli said that as of December last year, Kenyans main source of electricity was Geothermal at 49 per cent, Hydro stood at 20 per cent, wind at 13 per cent, thermal at 11 per cent, solar at 4 per cent, with imports and off grid at 2 and 1 per cents respectively.
