Kenya Power Explains Why Sh500 Buys Fewer Electricity Units Than Before

Kenya Power has clarified why customers receive fewer electricity units for the same Sh500 payment than in the past. The variation is influenced by multiple factors beyond the amount paid.

Factors Affecting Electricity Units Purchased

• Average Consumption: Tariffs are based on a customer's average electricity use over three consecutive months, not just a single month.
• Tariff Categories: Domestic customers are classified into three bands—Domestic 1 (up to 30 units/month), Domestic 2 (31-100 units), and Domestic 3 (101-15,000 units)—each with different rates per unit.
• Levies and Taxes: Additional charges such as taxes, levies, and fuel cost adjustments affect the final units dispensed.
• Fuel and Forex Adjustments: Recent adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) include a Fuel Energy Cost Charge, Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment, and Water Resource Management Authority levy.

Tariff Rates and Their Impact

The lifeline tariff (Domestic 1) offers subsidised rates at Sh12.23 per unit before taxes and levies. Customers consuming more fall into higher tariff bands with rates of Sh16.45 and Sh19.02 per unit respectively, which reduces the number of units they get for the same payment.

Kenya Power emphasized that two customers paying the same amount may receive different units due to their consumption patterns and tariff classifications.

Responsibility for Tariff Setting

Kenya Power noted it does not set electricity tariffs; this authority lies with EPRA. The company urges consumers to monitor their usage to stay within lower tariff categories and benefit from cheaper rates.

Understanding these factors can help customers better manage their electricity consumption and anticipate the units they receive for their payments.