Eng. Peter Njenga, Managing Director and CEO at KenGen
Kenya Electricity Generating Company’s PLC (KenGen) strong hydropower production is not only keeping the power system stable but also enabling the power utility to offer relief to consumers through reduction of power tariffs.
Households and businesses in Kenya will be able to access electricity of a stable nature and cost of power will also be moderated during the season following robust hydropower generation KenGen.
In order to mitigate the effect of high electricity bills which coincide with a period of global energy prices that are still on the rise, KenGen has made it public that its hydro cascade of the Seven Forks is currently generating a strong output.
In total, hydropower production was at 473.14 megawatts (MW) against a capacity of 600.4 MW as of Monday morning, indicating that there will be power of low cost to reach the national grid for some time more.
According to KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga, hydropower is the core power source of energy that is stabilizing Kenya’s power situation and this is backed up by the consistent performance.
“As of the morning of December 8, total hydro generation from the system stood at 473.14MW against an installed capacity of 600.4MW,” said Eng. Njenga, adding that Kenyans can expect stable supply during the festive season into the new year, reinforcing Kenya’s energy security at a time of increased demand.”
The major dams in Kenya still have water sufficient for power generation in the near future as their levels are in the safety band for model operation.
Masinga Dam, the largest hydropower reservoir in the country is currently at 1054.49 metres way above its minimum of 1037 metres, while in similar healthy conditions are the water levels at Kamburu (1005.04 metres), Gitaru (923.18 metres), Kindaruma (780.05 metres) and Kiambere (697.44 metres).
“The adequate levels of water in dam reservoirs that have been achieved are a clear indication of our preparedness in water management, thus power generation remains unaffected even during seasons of less rainfall,” said Njenga
Presently hydropower is the cheapest source of electric power in Kenya, and the aggressive generation has reduced the nation’s dependence on the expensive thermal power, which has been a huge cost driver for consumers and industries, thus KenGen is able to make a case for them.
Besides playing the mid-term sustainability role, through the various green activities, the company has also made it clear that their commitment to long-term sustainability remains invincible.
“As the world grapples with climate volatility and rising energy prices, Kenya stands out,” said Eng. Njenga adding, “KenGen is ensuring stability today, while building a clean-energy future that is environmentally secure and economically competitive. We are strengthening reliability and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a renewable powerhouse.”
The utility expects to maintain the generating plant’s momentum in the months that follow to meet the anticipated rise in power demand as the economy recovers, thus consolidating Kenya’s position as a regional renewable energy hub.