- KPLC’s managing director has explained why the cost of electricity is high compared to other countries in Africa.
- He noted that to reduce this, they are implementing the Rapid Results Initiative, which will fast-track meter installation for new connections across the country.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) Managing Director Joseph Siror has provided the reason why the cost of electricity is high compared to other countries in Africa. He did this while presenting the Company’s Operational Performance Report. Engr. Siror said electricity in Kenya constitutes several components which reflect on the final costs.
KPLC dispatches 40 per cent of geothermal, 24 per cent of hydro, and 11 per cent of EEP imports daily. Additionally, Kenya Power dispatches 3 per cent solar, 17 per cent wind and 5 per cent thermal energy.
Siror said, “With improved hydrology, leading to the dispatch of minimal thermal power, resulting in the distribution of competitively priced power for the benefit of our customers.“
Siror revealed that the Company has a total of 256,206 new customers connected as of the end of December 2023, against the targeted 225,000 customers. The new customer connections increased the total customer base to 9,454,819 customers. “Our aim is to connect 4 million additional households by 2030 towards the achievement of universal access to electricity,” he said.
He noted that to reduce this, they are implementing the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) that includes the availability of meters, which will fast-track meter installation for new connections across the country.
Apart from the RRI, the Company is also banking on the implementation of other projects, such as the Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) to achieve its annual connectivity targets. So far, Siror said 1,431,423 customers are on the grid through the LMCP. Phase 4 of the LMCP targets connecting 280,000 customers across 32 counties within a period of 18 months.
Further, he explained that the Company will address the power distribution constraints in the Country. He also welcomed the new regulations gazette by the Energy and Petroleum Regulations Authority (EPRA) on the electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open access.