Why Kenya Power is ‘not to blame’ for high electricity prices
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) says it is not to blame for the rise in cost of electricty.
In an address to the media in Nairobi on July 5, 2023, KPLC board chairperspon Brenda Masinde explained the electrcity firm operates within the guidelines established by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The adjustments in tariff rates, she said, are a direct result of regulatory measures taken to address the observed dynamics and balances in the market.
This tariff review became necessary after a four-year period of selling power at prices lower than the procurement cost.
“The changes in tariff are in line with EPRA regulations. The prices we charge consumers are within the limits set by the regulatory authority,” said Masinde.
One notable change implemented by KPLC relates to the itemization of tokens sent to prepaid meter users.
Previously, customers with smartphones would receive two lengthy SMS messages, while those with basic “kabambe” phones would receive three messages.
However, this process incurred substantial expenses for the company, amounting to approximately Ksh 250 million annually in SMS costs alone.
“This change was a fiscal decision aimed at enhancing efficiency,” said Masinde.
“Sending one SMS instead of multiple messages is a more cost-effective approach, allowing us to allocate the saved funds to other crucial areas.”
Kenyans have been forced to pay up to 50% more for electricity consumption in the past year, a move that has attracted scrutiny on social media.
For instance, Sh1000 now awards a customer 30 units of electricty tokens, down from 60 units.
Also read: Gaucho: Why I met Millicent Omanga