A few months ago Kenyans were relieved when Kenya power scrapped off the standing electricity charge. It was not predictable that the monopolized company would come back with disheartening news to the same consumers, that they should expect a rise in electricity bill as per the new tariffs.
According to the new charge calculations, the customers will be categorized into two tariffs, Domestic Lifeline, who pay Ksh 10 per unit and Domestic Ordinary who will part with Ksh 15. This means that the domestic consumers of KPLC will probably pay a spiked monthly electricity bill.
The company broadcasted a short message (SMS) to consumers informing them of the changes. KPLC informed the consumers that they would be automatically classified in a category based on their monthly usage.
“Dear customer, as per the tariff structure, your last three months’ average consumption was above 100 units. You have been moved to domestic ordinary tariff band,” read the text message sent to a number of users.
The Lifeline category consists of those who consume less than 100 units a month averaged for three months, while Ordinary will consist of those who consume more than 100 units over the same period.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director-General Pavel Oimeke confirmed that the new changes would affect the company’s customers since people will either move to the expensive or cheaper tariff depending on their average.
“The movement is meant to be either way; a few to lower band and a few to a higher band,” stated Oimeke.
These changes come in line with an earlier Gazette notice categorizing electricity users into two categories “SC1” and “SC2” whose automatic classification would depend on a three-month average.
The changes kicked off on Wednesday, February 6, and enabled Kenya power to review its prices without involving the ERC as before.
However, Energy Cabinet Secretary, Charles Keter, claimed that the charge had not been reviewed upwards with the introduction of the new tariffs.
“It is automatic even if no SMS were sent. You just get classified according to your consumption,” he remarked.