Kenyan households and businesses are facing another increase in electricity bills this August, as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has adjusted tariffs upward by approximately 1.5%.
This marks the second consecutive month of rising electricity costs for consumers.
According to a gazette notice dated August 9, 2024, the cost of electricity has risen from Ksh325 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in July to Ksh348 cents per kWh.
The adjustment is driven by rising fuel energy costs and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
EPRA’s latest review reveals a significant increase in the Fuel Energy Cost (FEC) charge, which has jumped to Ksh3.48 per unit from Ksh3.25 per unit last month.
Additionally, the Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuation Adjustment (Ferfa) has risen from Ksh0.98 per unit to Ksh1.17 per unit.
For the average Kenyan household, this increase translates into higher electricity bills.
For instance, a domestic consumer who used 60 units of electricity last month paid Ksh1,807.92.
With the new tariffs, this amount is expected to increase, putting additional strain on household budgets.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo explained that the adjustments are necessary to account for changing costs in fuel and foreign exchange, which heavily impact electricity production costs.
“All prices for electrical energy specified in Part II of the Schedule of Tariffs, 2023, will be liable to a fuel energy cost charge of plus 348 Kenya cents per kWh for all meter readings to be taken in August 2024,” Kiptoo said.
This increase follows a brief period of relief in April, when Kenya Power announced a reduction in power bills aimed at alleviating the burden on consumers.
However, the reprieve was short-lived as electricity prices began to climb again in June and now August, leaving many Kenyans questioning the sustainability of the current energy pricing model.
