Kenya Power Reaches a New Peak in Electricity Demand of 2,316 Megawatts

Posted on : Monday , 24th February 2025

Kenya Power has surpassed the previous high of 2,304 MW achieved in January to reach a peak of 2,316 MW on February 12, 2025, setting a new record for energy demand.

 

This spike in demand is indicative of a significant increase in the nation's energy usage, which is being fueled by large infrastructure projects, continuous system improvements, and the addition of more than 198,500 new users.

 

Kenya Power's Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Joseph Siror, shared his thoughts on the pattern, saying, "It took nearly two years for peak demand to increase by 200 MW. But we've witnessed a surge of over 116 MW since June of last year, which means that over the last eight months, peak demand has been rising by an average of 14.5 MW per month."

 

According to the company's data, the demand for power surpassed the 2,000 MW mark by the end of 2021 and has been rising steadily since, with a substantial increase in 2024.

 

The major investments made in the expansion and stabilization of the national power grid are largely responsible for this increased trajectory. Electricity supply reliability has increased as a result of projects like the completion of the Kimuka 220/66kV substation and important interconnector projects, such as the 33kV double circuit between Narok and Bomet.

 

"The investment in upgrading transmission lines by Kenya Power and KETRACO has resulted in a more stable grid," Dr. Siror said.  

 

Over 198,535 new customers have joined Kenya Power's grid in the past six months, which has increased demand for electricity. Additionally, through donor-funded initiatives like Last Mile Phases IV and V, the company is seeking to grow its network, adding another 289,121 customers.

 

Over 198,535 additional customers have been successfully linked to the grid in the last six months alone. Kenya Power's chief executive officer remarked, "We expect to add another 289,121 customers with the completion of the Last Mile Phases IV and V, which will help us meet the growing electricity demand."

 

To promote electricity consumption and environmental sustainability, Kenya Power is encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric cooking (e-cooking).

 

“Less than 100,000 electricity units were being billed by Kenya Power on e-mobility accounts in less than a year. We are currently invoicing the accounts an average of 350,000 units, which is more than three times the increase in electricity usage from this client sector during this time," Dr. Siror said.

 

E-cooking hubs have been set up in key towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu by the corporation to promote the use of contemporary electric cooking appliances, especially in establishments like hotels and schools.

 

Dr. Siror highlighted that the country's electrical generation capacity needs to be increased in order to fulfill the growing demand for electricity.

 

“It is now necessary to increase the country's electricity generation so that spinning reserves can be improved to the standard 15% level,” Dr Joseph Siror concluded.

 

Kenya Power is successfully assisting the nation's increasing electricity consumption through its expansion initiatives, promoting sustainability and economic development objectives.