Kenya Power officials were on Tuesday, June 13, directed by the Senate Committee on Energy to list interventions they are employing to reduce the high cost of electricity following the increase of prices by 3.7 per cent in June 2023.
The Committee chaired by Nyeri Senator, Wahome Wamatinga, put Kenya Power to task to provide the genesis and procedures of signing the power purchase agreements.
Further, the senators sought to establish the total debt incurred by KPLC to independent power producers which comprised KenGen, Rabai Power Limited, Lake Turkana Wind Power Limited, Gulf Power, Triumph Power, Thika Power Plant Limited, Iberafrica, OrrPower 4 Inc, Garissa Solar Power, Kipeto Energy PLC and Gulf Power.
A detailed explanation was required of the process of acquisition of the heavy fuel oil hence leading to a high unit price of power. KPLC officials were also hardpressed to reveal mitigation measures for the environmental degradation caused by thermal power plants.
Kenya Electricity and Transmission Company (KETRACO) officials were also tasked to provide information on the transmission process from the power plant to the closest substation.
"KETRACO should explain what transpired with the transmission line from Lake Turkana Wind Power Company to Suswa Power Station and while on it, explain the delays experienced in the construction of transmission lines from power plants to respective substations.
"Lastly, the Company should update the committee on the construction of all transmission lines and the possible interventions to reduce the high cost of electricity in the country," Wamatinga directed.
KETRACO is a state-owned company that plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains the country's high-voltage electricity transmission grid and regional power interconnections.
On the other hand, KPLC distributes the power to the final consumer across the country.
Hike in Electricity Prices
Kenyans will continue reeling following the high power prices driven by an increase in fuel prices and a weak shilling.
The prices rose by Ksh1 a unit from Ksh27 in May to Ksh28 in June. This marked the second consecutive month that the power prices rose - indicating the dire situation for Kenyans who have to dig deeper into their pockets just to keep the lights on.
Currently, the prices per litre for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene retail at Ksh182.70, Ksh168.40 and Ksh161.13 respectively.
Following the review, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) explained that the subsidy on Diesel and Kerosene was removed.
