By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around Finance, energy and renewable energy.
If you’re asking “How many token units for 500?”, you’re not alone. With electricity costs rising, every shilling counts and knowing how many KPLC units you get before buying helps you plan better.
Short Answer
On average, KES 500 currently gives around 14 – 20 units, depending on taxes, levies and the tariff band. This varies month-to-month due to fuel cost, forex adjustment, inflation levy, and VAT.
Example KPLC Token Receipts (Real Transactions)
We use real KPLC token statements to show how your money is split:
KES 750 Purchase (Nov 4, 2025)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Paid | KES 750 |
| Electricity Units | 28.5 units |
| Energy Amount | 470.29 |
| Taxes & Levies | 279.71 |
Effective units per KSh ~ 0.038 units per shilling
KES 500 ≈ ~19 units at similar rate
KES 750 Purchase (Oct 7, 2025)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Paid | KES 750 |
| Electricity Units | 29.5 units |
| Energy Amount | 485.68 |
| Taxes & Levies | 264.32 |
The previous month gave 1 more unit for the same amount because fuel costs and forex levies were slightly lower in October.
Actual Difference Calculation
| Component | Oct | Nov | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Amount | 485.68 | 470.29 | -15.39 |
| Taxes & Levies | 264.32 | 279.71 | +15.39 |
| Units | 29.5 | 28.5 | -1 unit |
At first glance it looks like it should cancel out (-15 + 15 = 0), so “why did we lose a unit?” When KSh 15 moves from “energy” → to “taxes”, it doesn’t “net to zero” in terms of usable units. Why?Because:
-
Money spent on energy = buys units
-
Money spent on taxes = buys nothing
So even though KSh 15 left the energy bucket and went into the tax bucket, the impact on units is real. Imagine you used to put KSh 485 into buying bread and now you only put KSh 470 because the extra KSh 15 went to “fees”. Even if the total money you spent is the same, you still walk home with less bread. Same total money ≠ same units.
This kind of change is common in public finance. It’s called tax incidence shifting, the total payment stays the same, but more of your money goes to levies instead of actual electricity.
In simple terms: same money, less power.
2) Example — KES 100 Purchase (Nov 1, 2025)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Paid | KES 100 |
| Electricity Units | 3.8 units |
| Energy Amount | 62.73 |
| Taxes & Levies | 37.27 |
So… How Many Units for 500?
| Amount | Estimated Units |
|---|---|
| KES 100 | 3.8 units |
| KES 200 | 7.6 units |
| KES 300 | 11.4 units |
| KES 500 | ~19 units |
| KES 750 | 28.5 units |
Why You Don’t Get Full Units for KES 500
Your money is split between:
-Energy cost
-Fuel & forex adjustment
-VAT (16%)
-Inflation levy
-Water regulatory levy
-EPRA charge
-REP levy
These hidden charges reduce your net units.
Why Your Units Fluctuate
KPLC token units vary based on:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fuel cost | ↑ When fuel expensive |
| Forex rate | ↑ When shilling weakens |
| Inflation | ↑ When inflation rises |
| Seasonal power demand | ↑ During dry season |
| Govt policy | Tariff reviews affect rates |
Tips to Save Electricity & Get More Value
| Tip | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Switch off “phantom load” devices | They drain power when idle |
| Use energy-efficient bulbs | Huge savings for lighting |
| Batch iron clothes | Iron consumes high power |
| Use gas for cooking | Electric cooker is expensive |
| Buy one large token per month | Minimizes repeated fixed charges |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many units for KES 500? | ~19 units (2025) |
| Does it change each month? | Yes |
| Best way to buy? | One large token per month |