The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is urging Kenyans to consider energy efficiency when purchasing household appliances by checking some of the aspects of the commodities.
By selecting devices with higher energy efficiency ratings, consumers can significantly reduce their electricity consumption and associated costs.
According to EPRA, customers can check the energy efficiency labels, typically green and white, affixed to various appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and fluorescent lamps, before purchasing them.
These labels feature a star rating system ranging from one to five stars; more stars indicate greater energy efficiency. For instance, a refrigerator with a five-star rating consumes less power than one with a single star.
In a tweet on Thursday, EPRA stressed the benefits of choosing appliances with higher star ratings, stating that more stars mean "lower electricity consumption," "less money spent on power bills," and "a more sustainable home."
The authority encourages consumers to "make every shilling count by choosing energy-efficient appliances."
The labels also detail the appliance's annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). EPRA advises consumers to opt for appliances with lower kWh per year figures to further reduce energy bills. This information enables buyers to calculate potential savings by comparing the energy consumption of different models.
Kenya's electricity tariffs currently stand at approximately Ksh15 per kWh for domestic consumers. By selecting energy-efficient appliances, households can lower their monthly electricity usage, leading to substantial cost savings over time.
According to EPRA, energy-efficient appliances not only lessen the strain on the national power grid but also contribute to environmental conservation by lowering overall energy demand.
To enhance energy savings, EPRA in 2022 expanded its regulatory framework to include additional electronic devices. The authority announced intentions to regulate the sale of televisions, computer monitors, and laptops to ensure they meet stringent energy-saving standards.
These regulations, to be enforced through the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), set the maximum allowable energy consumption for specific tasks performed by electronic products.
Currently, EPRA regulates appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, fluorescent lamps, and induction motors.
