Kenyan Electricity Company Meters
The Kenyan Electricity Generating Company PLC, KenGen, has stated that Kenyan households and businesses could soon start enjoying cheaper electricity due to the latest projections supported by above-average hydro-power generation in all major reservoirs
This comes amid ongoing rainfall that has led to all the Seven Forks Dams to retain a 99% of their operating capacity
The company has also eased concerns by downstream residents, promising that its engineers were well-equipped to avoid any spills,
In a statement issued by the company, strong water levels had been recorded in all of the Seven Forks Dams and many other hydro-power stations in the country.
In the April dispatch reports recorded on April 28, all seven main hydro-power generating dams’ reservoirs recorded levels above their minimum operating levels.
Masinga led with 1,056.54 meters, Kamburu followed with 1,006.07 meters, then Gitaru at 923.69 meters, and Kindaruma at 780.28 meters.
In the words of KenGen’s Acting Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Issack, all the reservoirs were averaging at 99% of their operating capacity and thus could effectively allow for cheaper electricity.
“Strong reservoir levels averaging about 99% of operating capacity position us to continue maximising hydropower generation, the cheapest sources of electricity on Kenya’s grid,”,
“This gives the country greater flexibility to expand renewable supply while reducing reliance on more expensive thermal generation. “Issack said.
Currently, KenGen has an installed generation capacity of 1,786 MW, of which over 90% is drawn from green sources, namely Hydro (826 MW), Geothermal (754 MW), and Wind (25.5 MW),
Assurances
While issuing an update on the effects of the floods across the country , the Kenya Red Cross Society relayed that the waters at Masinga dam had risen to full capacity.
However, the rescue society assured locals living near the dam that controlled spillovers were currently ongoing.
KenGen also acknowledged this concern, revealing that its engineers run a robust water management program that has been designed to keep the reservoirs within safe operating ranges.
“Even when Masinga nears maximum levels, the company does not expect uncontrolled spilling so long as inflows remain manageable,”
“The combination of healthy reservoir levels, prudent water management, and reliable hydropower generation enables us to sustain affordable, clean electricity for homes and businesses, while protecting downstream communities. Responsible water stewardship remains at the heart of both energy security and public safety.” KenGen assured.
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Source: Maurine Kirambia/ https://www.tuko.co.ke/
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