Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s dream has been crushed by the energy ministry.
The company was seeking to improve its income by increasing the cost of energy for their customers.
The company had sought the Energy Regulations Commission (ERC) to approve its proposal of raising consumer charges. In the proposal, the company said it intended to make the changes so that it can cover the rising operation costs and improve its transition networks. However, all this will not be achieved following a rule out by the Ministry of Energy. The officials from the ministry said there shall not be any increment in tariff. The energy PS in charge of electricity, Joseph Njoroge said the company is not allowed to increase any charges.
Residents of Kibera have welcomed the idea saying the cost of living is high therefore increasing the charges could have been stressful to them.
‘‘Some of the residents here don’t even use electricity because it is expensive. If one pays a standard charge of sh150 per month then top up to be given the electricity units, then this is a lot,’’’ said Stephen Mwangi.
‘‘The Energy Ministry has done a good job. The cost of living is high. Will we work to feed our families or pay the increased charges of electricity? Kenya Power should consider their customers,’’ added Paul Ongeri.
Grace Wangui who runs a barber shop said the increment of the cost of power could have led to her increasing the cost of shaving. However, she was worried that she might lose her customers due to the changes.
‘‘I am now relieved. At least, my customers will not run away from me. It would have been hard for me to charge the same amount if the bills could have increased,’’ she said.