Nairobi: The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) recently held a public workshop in Nairobi to discuss draft energy regulations set for implementation in 2025. These regulations are aimed at improving the operation of the energy system, ensuring the reliability of electricity, maintaining a good supply and service, and establishing protocols for reporting accidents and issues related to electricity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop brought together key players in the energy sector, policymakers, and the general public to discuss ways to enhance regulations in the electricity sector. Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Oketch, Head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, spoke on behalf of EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo, urging stakeholders to participate in the development of policies that ensure the stability, security, and safety of electricity supply.
Dr. Oketch emphasized that the proposed regulations under discussion include the Draft Energy, Electricity Reliability, Quality of Supply and Quality of Service Regulations, the Draft Energy System Operations Regulations, and the Draft Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting Regulations. He highlighted that the Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting Regulations aim to create a structured framework for reporting accidents and incidents related to electricity supply, requiring licensees to report any accidents causing loss of life, injury, environmental damage, or property damage within 48 hours. Affected entities must also conduct investigations and submit detailed reports within 30 days.
To enhance efficiency, Dr. Oketch announced that EPRA would introduce an online reporting system and a 24-hour hotline for incident reporting. He further explained that the Energy Electricity Reliability, Quality of Supply, and Quality of Service Regulations are designed to improve service efficiency and consumer protection by ensuring electricity suppliers provide quality services. Licensees will be required to submit monthly and annual reports on reliability and service quality, with penalties established for failure to meet service standards.
Eng. Jonathan Rono, an official from EPRA, provided an overview of how regulations are developed in Kenya, explaining that the process begins with identifying the need for regulations as mandated by the Energy Act. This is followed by drafting the initial regulations in consultation with sector entities. A Regulatory Impact Assessment is then conducted to evaluate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the regulations. The public consultation phase, such as the workshop held, allows stakeholders to provide input before the draft regulations are finalized.
Following public participation, EPRA will incorporate feedback and submit the final draft to the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum for approval. The Attorney General's Office will refine the legal language before forwarding the regulations to Parliament for ratification. Once approved, the regulations will be published and come into effect.
Eng. Tom Simiyu, another EPRA official, reiterated that the Draft Energy Regulations aim to enhance electricity supply efficiency and ensure consumers receive reliable services. According to Simiyu, the regulations set performance benchmarks for generators, transmitters, and distributors, requiring regular reporting on system reliability, outages, and response times. They also mandate strict timelines for power restoration, impose penalties for non-compliance, and standardize voltage levels to prevent appliance damage. Additionally, these regulations introduce consumer redress mechanisms, allowing for complaints and compensation claims.
EPRA aims to improve service delivery, protect consumers, and ensure accountability among energy providers by setting clear performance standards, strengthening system operations, and enforcing strict accident reporting. With proper implementation, these measures will contribute to a more stable, secure, and consumer-friendly energy industry, aligning Kenya's power infrastructure with global best practices.