After a long day at work, a hot shower is often a good way to relax but it could now land you in jail according to a notice by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The commission notified all households using over 100 litres of hot water every day and are yet to install a solar heating system that they risk a Ksh1 million fine, one-year imprisonment or both.
ERC stated that inspectors will go around the country to ensure the solar system regulations are followed and this means that every household that uses five 20 litre jerrycans to shower will be expected to have a solar heating system when inspectors come knocking.
The regulations were first published in 2012 and the commission has been extending the deadline to allow landlords, home and hotel owners time to comply.
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It is reported that the requirements apply to residential premises (three-bedrooms and above), health institutions, restaurants and hotels, boarding schools and other similar commercial operations.
Kenya came up with the solar water heater requirements in efforts to encourage the use of renewable sources and ease pressure on the national grid, media reported.
The last deadline had been set as May 25, 2017, after which the commission’s director general Pavel Oimeke said ERC would give property owners six more months to enable them to arrange for the financing and installation of solar water heaters.
“Following the lapse of the deadline, the ERC is currently carrying out surveillance visits on buildings under construction and random spot checks on existing premises to ensure compliance with the regulations,” the Wednesday notice read in part.
The commission has also warned the public to be wary of fraudsters masquerading as ERC officers.
“All ERC officers inspecting facilities have official identification badges and premise owners should request to see the badges. The ERC officers will use official ERC branded vehicles with blue number plates," reads the notice.
Installing solar panels could help homes slash electricity bills by up to 20 percent but property developers have cited prohibitive costs of solar heaters as a deterrent to increased uptake.
The cost of a complete solar water heater system for domestic use ranges between Ksh125,000 and Ksh150,000 per unit and between Ksh600,000 and Ksh2 million for commercial buildings.
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