EPRA Unveils Strategy to Lower Electricity Costs Through Regional Cooperation
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has outlined a new approach aimed at reducing electricity costs in Kenya and across Africa by strengthening cooperation between neighboring countries.
The regulator believes that closer regional partnerships will not only make power cheaper but also improve energy security and reliability for millions of people.
Speaking during the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 held in Nairobi on April 21, Acting Director General Joseph Oketch explained that the energy challenges currently facing African nations should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a setback.
According to him, countries can use this moment to come together, share resources, and develop stronger systems that benefit the entire region.
Oketch noted that many African countries are dealing with similar issues, including unstable electricity supply, rising energy costs, and growing demand. He emphasized that working together across borders can help address these problems more effectively.
By building joint solutions, countries can reduce weaknesses in their energy supply chains while creating systems that are more flexible, better connected, and guided by reliable research.
He further explained that Africa’s energy future should be built on strong and resilient regional systems. Such systems would be capable of handling unexpected disruptions, sudden price changes, and increasing demand for electricity.
This approach, he said, would ensure that power remains available and affordable even during difficult times.
EPRA also highlighted the importance of countries moving away from operating independently. Instead of each nation focusing only on its own power systems, the Authority is encouraging a unified approach where countries work together seamlessly.
This kind of cooperation would improve how electricity is generated, distributed, and used, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Oketch stressed that collaboration is essential for progress in the energy sector. He pointed out that the challenges facing the industry are too complex to be solved by individual countries working alone. By joining efforts, African nations can achieve faster and more sustainable solutions.
To make this vision a reality, EPRA said there is a need for better alignment of policies and regulations across countries.
This includes creating similar rules for energy markets, harmonizing legal frameworks, and developing coordinated systems for buying and selling electricity. Such alignment would make it easier for countries to trade power and support each other when needed.
In addition, the regulator is pushing for the standardization of electricity pricing models. By introducing clear and consistent pricing mechanisms, along with supportive government policies, EPRA believes electricity can become more affordable for households and businesses.
These measures are also expected to improve the overall efficiency of power systems.
EPRA further noted that countries in Eastern Africa are already making progress toward building a fully integrated electricity market. Once completed, this market will allow nations to trade electricity more easily and at competitive prices.
This means countries with excess power can sell to those experiencing shortages, creating a balanced and stable energy supply across the region.
The Authority also pointed to initiatives such as the M300 Initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity.
According to EPRA, such programs demonstrate how coordinated regional efforts can bring real and lasting change to the energy sector.
The week-long conference, themed “Advancing Energy Affordability and Security in Sustainable Development,” brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry experts from across Africa.
Participants discussed practical ways to meet the growing demand for electricity while ensuring that power remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable for future generations.
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