Kenya Power to Cut Electricity Cost by Switching to Solar
Kenya Power engineers carry out repairs at a power sub-station in Mombasa County in 2018
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Kenya Power plans on cutting the cost of electricity bills in the country by replacing its thermal power stations with solar and wind electricity generating machines. This will see the electricity distribution company switch from fuel-powered engines.
The company had on January 2, said that the move will reduce the effect of fuel on power consumer s bills. Electricity bills are based on foreign exchange fluctuation, hydropower levies and fuel charges.
Kenyans are expected to pay record-high electricity bills for the period between January 15 and February 15 after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) adjusted electricity tariffs, charges, prices and rates on Friday, January 15.
Kenya: New Solar Rules Not Meant to Cushion Kenya Power, Says Energy Regulator allafrica.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from allafrica.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
THE STANDARD
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To police the sun or not is the question. This free natural resource is raising quite some heat.
On one hand is the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), which seeks to set the tone on how best people should use the sun.
Private sector stakeholders, on the other hand, question the need for regulations to harness the energy.
In the middle of this tussle lies a proposed law that has caused heated discussions.
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In the Draft Energy (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) Regulations, 2020, Epra has set tough licensing and operational conditions for solar investment.
For instance, a person shall not engage in the importation, manufacture, sale or installation of solar systems without a valid licence from Epra.
Senate Rejects Tough Solar Switch Fines, Issues Alternative
File image of Kenya Power electricians at work
File
The Senate Committee on Energy rejected stringent measures proposed by EPRA (Energy Regulatory Commission of Kenya) to curb the massive switch from government powered electricity to solar energy.
On Wednesday, December 9, the Senators argued that high licensing fees, education requirements and penalties imposed on technicians and contractors would slow down Kenya s plan of adopting renewable energy solutions.
They added that the move by EPRA was meant to protect major players in the energy sector and to allow the government to enjoy a monopoly in the industry.
Encourage more Kenyans to embrace solar, wind energy standardmedia.co.ke - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from standardmedia.co.ke Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.