[Update: 12:01:2022]
2nd week into January 2022 and KPLC makes headline news as a massive power outage inconveniences Kenyans, and, dents the Kenyan economy. This is against the background of the presidents’ speech last December 2021 on reducing electric charges by 15%.
Three transmission failures struck the giant within hours of each other. A high voltage power line linking Nairobi to Kiambere hydroelectric dam collapsed at around 10.45 am on Tuesday. The outage experienced, lasted 3 hours and in some areas, spilt over into the next day. It wasn’t clear what caused the massive outage and neither is KPLC forthcoming with that information.
KPLC is a giant holding a 70% share in the industry. The Kenyan government hasn’t tried to open up the energy sector to competitors nor let any startup supplier bite the cake. Since they hold the cards, this is seen clearly in the high inflation rates and electricity charges, which have quadrupled over the last 10 years. Plus not to mention with such a massive outage in years, Kenyans are at the mercy of KPLC with 0 alternatives. Businesses lost millions! And it is in this light, that its time renewable sources of energy are utilised. This is the millennial age where every second counts and over-dependency on one supplier is no longer a priority.
What Other Sources of energy are Available Can Kenya Utilise?
Yes, there are other sources of energy available to Kenyans. It’s the uptake that poses a challenge for great companies looking to create sustainable energy. Take in point Greenlight planet or D.light products that if applied, not only reduce power consumption bills but come in handy when KPLC does a disappearing act on Kenyans.
Solar Pros? Last up to 25 years and are low cost in maintenance, No running cost or monthly bills. Just connect to the natural sun source and utilise. Better yet, no more candles!!
Needless to say, the world is at a point of a cost-efficient economy and scaling down on financial strain. In the wake of Covid, finances have been severely affected and the cutting down on expenses a reality. Why not energy? A little goes a long way and solar energy reduces power costs by 15%.
VAT charges alone on token purchases show the exorbitant costs imposed by EPRA and friends. (KenGen,Ketraco).Fuel cost to supply electricity, Wueh! It goes without saying that Kenyans are on the tipping point in tolerating a monopolistic company and are now calling on the government to open the economy, to investors, and startups with alternatives.
Despite the announcement of a 15% drop in the cost of electricity, the situation remains the same. Purchase of tokens worth Ksh.1000 gets you Ksh.600 worth of units and the % drop is worse if in close proximity to CBD.
