High voltage power lines from Uganda [Photo/theeastafrican.co.ke]
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is planning to introduce a Time of Use (TOU) tariff aiming at lowering cost of electricity for large consumers like manufacturing industries.This will be a relief to manufacturing sector which has for along time protested that the high power charge plays key role in hindering Kenya from becoming a manufacturing hub.Speaking on Monday at a stakeholders meeting, ERC acting director General Pavel Oimeke said the injection of power from Lake Turkana Wind Power will provide surplus electric power to benefit industries.
“The need for TOU tariffs is spurred by a possibility that Kenya could start experiencing surplus electricity supply due to increased electricity capacity. The economy will soon benefit from additional capacity including 300MW from Lake Turkana Wind Power. The introduction of TOU tariffs will help promote commercial and industrial growth in Kenya while maximizing on the surplus energy available at off-peak hours,” Mr Oimeke said according to CitizenTV.
The government has been fighting to lower power charges to spear Kenya's manufacturing sector ahead. This is after the ERC rejected KPLC's plans to raise electricity cost.