The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced plans to help mitigate energy wastage through reviewing two key regulations.
In a report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the energy regulator noted that various fields of production in the economic sector were still struggling with energy efficiency, mainly because energy efficiency opportunities remain untapped in the country.
While noting that limited technical skills and inadequate financing were key hindrances to ensuring energy was adequately used in Kenya, EPRA revealed plans to review the Energy (Energy Management) regulations, 2012, which requires facilities consuming more than 180,000 kWh of energy to conduct energy audits at least once every three years and implement the identified energy saving measures, among other obligations.
Also, the Energy (Appliances’ Energy Performance and Labelling) regulations 2016 enabled EPRA to establish minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for appliances. Still, this regulation will also be reviewed by the energy regulator.
Fueling at a petrol station in Kenya.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
“The Authority is in the process of reviewing the two regulations with a view of incorporating additional regulatory tools such as the establishment of energy benchmarks for various sectors, the establishment of a framework governing operations of Energy Savings Companies (ESCOs), among others,” the report read.
EPRA seeks to have these regulations reviewed with the hopes of revolutionising the energy efficiency sub-sector in Kenya, which is in line with its obligations under the Paris Agreement, which aims to strengthen the global response to climate change.
As per the Energy Act 2019, EPRA is obligated to develop and implement national energy efficiency and conservation programmes.
One way the authority seeks to achieve this is through benchmarking, with one of their latest engagements taking place in September 17, 2024.
According to Ronald Keter, the workshop targeted a number of sectors including sugar, tea, cement, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, dairy, hotel, industries and flowers.
The Authority has also been keen on flagging institutions which pose a threat to the overall goal of upholding energy-saving measures.
After a three-month crackdown, EPRA announced the shutting down of 14 petrol stations for selling adulterated fuel. Three other stations were fined for the same.
Meanwhile, petrol prices in the country also remained the same in November, according to EPRA’s latest review.
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