The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has introduced strict regulations that could see individuals and companies paying hefty fines for failing to report electricity-related accidents.
On Monday, EPRA invited the public to participate in discussions about the proposed Energy (Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting) Regulations, 2024.
These new rules aim to ensure that all electricity-related incidents are properly documented and reported within the required timeframe to enhance safety standards in the energy sector.
Heavy Fines for Failing to Report Electricity Accidents
Under the proposed regulations, any individual or company licensed by EPRA must report accidents occurring at their workplace within 48 hours.
Failure to do so will attract a fine of Ksh5,000 per day for up to 30 days. If an accident is never reported, the offender will be slapped with a penalty of Ksh100,000 per unreported case.
Companies that provide false information about incidents or fail to maintain accurate records of accidents at their premises will also be fined Ksh100,000. The aim of these penalties is to ensure transparency and accountability in the energy sector.
More Penalties for Non-Compliance
Beyond accident reporting, the regulations introduce other requirements that companies and individuals must follow.
For instance, every licensed entity must appoint a responsible person to oversee safety compliance at their workplace. If a company fails to assign someone to this role, they will be fined Ksh5,000 for each day the position remains vacant.
Additionally, companies that fail to investigate reported accidents will also be fined Ksh5,000 per day. This measure is meant to ensure that all incidents are properly examined and corrective actions are taken to prevent future accidents.
Any individual or company that disregards directives from EPRA will also face a penalty of Ksh100,000 for each violation. This ensures that all players in the energy sector strictly follow safety and operational guidelines set by the authority.
Tougher Consequences for Repeat Offenders
To discourage repeated violations, the proposed rules state that anyone previously penalized will face double fines if they commit the same offence again.
Furthermore, any unpaid fines will be treated as civil debts, meaning they can be legally enforced and recovered through the courts.
Public Consultations on the New Rules
EPRA’s Director General, Daniel Kiptoo, has invited the public to participate in workshops discussing these proposed regulations.
The consultative forums will take place from March 17 to 24 in various parts of the country, including Mt Kenya, Lake, North Rift, Coastal, North Eastern, Eastern regions, and Nairobi.
Stricter Regulations Across the Energy Sector
These new rules come just two weeks after EPRA published another set of regulations under the proposed Energy (Electric Power Undertaking Licensing) Regulations, 2024.
These guidelines introduce penalties for unauthorized power generation, transmission, or distribution.
One of the most severe penalties outlined in the regulations is a Ksh10 million fine or a five-year prison sentence (or both) for individuals who provide false information to EPRA regarding electricity generation activities.
The proposed regulations are aimed at ensuring strict compliance and enhancing safety standards in Kenya’s energy sector.
If approved, they will significantly impact how electricity-related incidents are handled, reinforcing accountability and preventing negligence among energy operators.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
