Surplus power output will bring down Kenya’s electricity rates in the next couple of months after almost three years of steady increases that have raised them by nearly 50%.
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), the biggest hydroelectric plant in the country, has produced more energy after the Masinga Dam, its largest hydropower facility with the most conventional hydroelectric generating capacity amongst the Seven Forks Cascade, hit one of the highest water levels in the recent past.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-owned utility, Masinga Dam has maintained near maximum water levels of 1,056 meters above sea level (mASL), generating a peak output of more than 471MW in the past 24 hours, which will see a drop in electricity prices, helping households struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“We are happy to report that we are receiving very good inflows from the Mount Kenya and Aberdares catchment areas, which has led to high water levels at our dams,” said KenGen CEO Peter Njenga.
“This will see Kenyans reap the full benefit of cheaper electricity.” He added.
In January, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised the cost per unit of electricity by 8.7% from a combination of higher fuel costs, currency depreciation, and the review of electricity tariffs.
In December 2023, Ksh100 bought 2.48 units and decreased to 1.48 units in January 2024. Today, if you pay Ksh150 to Kenya Power, you get 4.69 units of electricity.
