Kenya's EPRA updates e-mobility tariffs and solar power regulations

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has implemented significant changes to electricity tariffs and regulations in Kenya. Under a new Gazette Notice, the 15,000-unit monthly consumption limit for the e-mobility tariff has been removed. This allows electric vehicle charging operators to access the discounted rate of KES 16 per unit (and KES 8 during off-peak hours) without being reclassified into higher price brackets once they exceed the previous cap. This change specifically benefits large-scale operators, such as bus depots and battery-swap stations, which previously exceeded the limit.

Simultaneously, EPRA has introduced new rules regarding solar power. Homes and businesses that feed excess electricity into the Kenya Power network without prior approval or a valid net-metering agreement will now face a dumping surcharge. Under the Energy (Net-Metering) Regulations 2024, consumers can export surplus power from systems up to one megawatt, provided they have an official agreement.

Kenya Power has expressed concerns regarding the stability of the national grid due to the intermittent nature of variable renewable energy sources, noting that wind and solar accounted for 34 per cent of the energy mix during daytime peak demand. The company warned that unauthorized connections pose safety risks and can affect grid frequency and voltage.