This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
On November 18, 2019, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reported a significant shift in Kenya's power supply mix.
According to EPRA data, the share of electricity generated from thermal power plants dropped to 7% in October, down from 11% during the same month in the previous year.
Thermal power had contributed as high as 19.1% in April, when the rainy season was delayed.
As a result of the reduced intake from diesel-powered thermals, the fuel surcharge levy, which is influenced by the share of electricity from diesel generators, decreased from Sh3.3 in October to Sh3 per unit.
EPRA Director-General Pavel Oimeke noted that the dispatch of hydro power, the cheapest source, would remain measured to ensure dam levels rise higher in readiness for any weather eventualities in the near future.
“The short rains started recently after a long period of drought and Masinga dam is not full. The dispatch therefore needs to take caution so that we don’t deplete the dam levels quickly. The fuel cost charge has been on a downward decline and the monthly figures are published in the Kenya Gazette,” Mr Oimeke said.
