The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in Kenya is taking steps to help consumers cope with rising fuel and power costs.

With energy prices climbing recently, EPRA has introduced strategies to promote energy efficiency and provide financial relief to households and businesses.

One major step is the recent reduction in electricity prices by an average of 9.3%. This means domestic customers will now pay 29 Kenyan shillings per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from 32 shillings.

The adjustment is welcome news for many Kenyans dealing with high energy bills.  

The price reduction is due to lower foreign exchange rate adjustments and reduced fuel energy costs, which have positively affected pricing.

EPRA’s Director-General, Daniel Kiptoo, explained that this change was possible because of decreased foreign currency repayments for power purchases made by Kenya Power.

Earlier this year, energy prices had risen by as much as 17.3% because of outstanding power purchase costs.

The recent decrease provides relief for millions of Kenyans who have felt the impact of rising energy prices.  

In addition to lowering electricity prices, EPRA is pushing for energy efficiency in various sectors.

The authority has rolled out initiatives encouraging both residential and commercial users to adopt energy-saving practices.

These efforts include campaigns and tips on reducing energy use effectively. By teaching people about energy efficiency, EPRA aims to help them take control of their energy bills.  

One of EPRA’s big plans is introducing net metering regulations. These rules allow individuals and businesses that generate extra renewable energy, like solar power, to earn credits for the surplus energy they feed into the national grid.

This approach not only promotes renewable energy but also helps users save money on energy costs.

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By encouraging the use of solar panels and other renewable sources, EPRA hopes to create a greener energy system in Kenya.  

EPRA is also increasing the number of licensed energy auditors and registered energy service companies to ensure better compliance with energy efficiency rules.

Currently, only 56% of required facilities are conducting energy audits. By raising awareness and providing support, EPRA hopes to improve this number and encourage more facilities to follow the rules.  

Fluctuating fuel prices are another challenge EPRA is addressing. With global fuel prices changing unpredictably, EPRA is monitoring these trends and considering changes to its regulations to allow more flexible pricing based on international market conditions.

This could help keep fuel prices stable in Kenya and shield consumers from sudden price spikes.  

EPRA also believes public-private partnerships will play a big role in making renewable technologies more accessible.

By working with private companies, EPRA hopes to make solar systems and other clean energy solutions available even to low-income households.  

Through energy efficiency campaigns, support for renewable energy, and updates to its regulatory framework, Kenya has a chance to transform its energy system.

These steps will help consumers save money while contributing to environmental goals, setting Kenya on a path toward a cleaner, greener future.