This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
As the government continues to implement measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Kenyans have significantly reduced their power consumption. According to data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), power usage declined by 13% in April compared to March.
With 848.6 million units of power used in April, the reduction is a drastic change from the 978.1 million units consumed in March. This decline is largely attributed to the strain on industries, which have been operating within certain timelines due to the containment measures.
Among the measures implemented by the government include a dawn to dusk curfew, social distancing, and closure of establishments such as restaurants, while encouraging employers to facilitate their employees to work from home. The cessation of movement in some areas, including the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mandera counties, has also contributed to the reduction in power consumption.
Although the measures may have seen more people stay at home, increasing domestic power usage, it is the industrial customers that account for the larger proportion of the consumed power. The COVID-19 pandemic is also expected to substantially dent Kenya's economy, with the National Treasury expecting a growth of 2.5% this year, down from 5.4% in 2019.
EPRA has also announced a reduction in the cost of electricity, with the Fuel Cost Charge reduced to Sh2.40 per unit for power consumed in May compared to Sh2.50 in April. This follows sustained rains, limiting the use of thermal power generators, and low crude oil prices, which have reduced the cost incurred when using the generators.
