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How grid defection could disrupt energy monopoly
Tuesday February 23 2021
Summary
It is no secret that high costs of power coupled with occasional reliability issues have forced some of the large industrial consumers, who account for approximately 54.8 percent of Kenya Power’s sales revenues, back to the drawing board.
Another perhaps less talked about reason for grid defection in the country, is climate change and other environmental concerns.
As these take centre stage, responsible companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint through incorporating green initiatives in their production, servicing and manufacturing methods.
In November 2020, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (“EPRA”) approved an increase in electricity tariffs for consumers.
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 By
Macharia Kamau |
December 15th 2020 at 08:25:09 GMT +0300
solar panel and turbine with sunset background. clean energy power in nature concept (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Kenya has emerged as the single largest market for off-grid solar products globally.
The country, for instance, accounted for nearly a third of all off-grid solar products sold globally between January and June this year.
A report by the Global Association of the Off-grid Solar Energy Industry (Gogla) showed that over the period, manufacturers affiliated to the association sold 3.03 million units of off-grid products across the world.
These included lanterns, television sets, water pumps and refrigeration units as well as complete solar home systems.
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.