NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 – Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has faulted Government plans to increase electricity prices, saying it will impact local Kenyans.
COFEK reminded President William Ruto’s administration that it was voted in on the premise of lowering the cost of living as well as the cost of manufacturing that are impacted by high energy cost.
In a new proposed tariff, the cost of power for domestic consumers is expected to go up by between 13 to 20 per cent, according to Kenya Power.
For instance, consumers with a life-line consumption band of below 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will pay Sh20.5 per unit from the current Sh18.14, a 13 per cent jump.
Out of the Sh20.5, Sh14 is the consumption charge meaning Sh6.5 is on taxes and levies.
“It doesn’t make sense that Kenya Power seeks an increase in tariffs every time. Yet, with increasing use of technology, and use of renewables on the grid, the cost of power should be going down,” COFEK Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said.
“Most of the new capacity being added to the grid are from renewables – geothermal, wind, solar, biomass. As such, there is no justification for higher tariffs,” Mutoro added.
COFEK blames high utility costs on a dilapidated network, lack of meters, and slowness at Kenya Power
“Renegotiating of Power Purchase (PPAs) with privately owned producers selling power to Kenya Power at exorbitant costs is also a priority if Kenya is to cut electricity tariffs,” Mutoro added.
Mutoro implores the Government to cut electricity prices for domestic users by 20 percent.
“We demand the immediate cessation of using 3 months average to classify consumers, where those whose consumption goes above 100 units are permanently shifter to a higher tariff,” COFEK said.
“Cofek calls on EPRA and the Ministry of Energy to stay true to serving the interests of Kenyans and not the whims of selfish IPPs.”
