With the rising cost of electricity in the country, many Kenyans are exploring ways to save on their power bills.
In 2016, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) made it mandatory for electronic appliances to have the Kenya Energy Label. Through the directive, the government sought to help Kenyans make better choices when purchasing various household appliances.
According to a statement released by the regulatory body on Tuesday, October 11, the red and green stickers rate the electronic appliances from one star to five stars, depending on their power consumption.
"The EPRA Kenya energy efficiency labels have a minimum of one star and a maximum of five stars. It tells how much energy an appliance uses and makes it easier to compare the energy use of similar models," reads part of the statement.
As Kenyans.co.ke, we reveal how you can use the stickers to tame the skyrocketing electricity bills.
According to EPRA, the higher the rating of an appliance, the more money you will save on your power bills.
"The more stars on the label means that the appliance is more energy efficient. Depending on the appliance type and how many stars it has, one can save hundreds of shillings on the monthly electricity bill. A five-star rated appliance has the highest energy efficiency, consuming relatively less energy, therefore, saving you money on bills," EPRA stated.
The reverse is equally true. The fewer the stars on the sticker, the more costly it is for you.
For example, if a fridge is rated at one-star, it means that it will cost you more in electricity bills because the appliance consumes more power.
EPRA also revealed that Kenyans can use the stickers in calculating the amount of power an appliance will consume in a year.
The Kenya Energy Label also includes an energy consumption number. The number indicates the amount of power your appliance uses annually.
"It is better to buy an appliance with a smaller KWh/per year number, You can calculate the cost of running the appliance by multiplying the 1KWh by the energy consumption number on the sticker," EPRA advised.
Some of the appliances that hold the stickers include fridges, electrical motors, air conditioners, electricity lamps among others.
