Energy officials have defended the high cost of electricity in the country after MPs raised concerns over expensive power tariffs despite billions of shillings being invested in power generation.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Monday, May 18, during an inspection tour of the Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu transmission project in Kisumu County, the National Assembly Energy Committee sought answers over why Kenyans continue to pay high electricity bills amid government intervention.

In particular, Nyatike MP Tom Odege questioned officials from the energy sector over the cost of electricity generated from geothermal sources, arguing that consumers had yet to feel the benefits of affordable power.

“Ordinarily, kerosene is considered cheap, but when power is supplied, it becomes even more expensive,” questioned Odege while challenging the officials to explain why electricity prices remain high.

📌 What You Need to Know

In response, officials from Kenya Electricity Generating Company defended the current electricity pricing structure, arguing that a stable and reliable power supply is more important for economic growth than simply having cheaper electricity.

Speaking during the inspection, one of the officials noted that an uninterrupted electricity supply was necessary to support industries, businesses, and economic activities in the Lake Victoria region.

“It is better to have expensive power than no power at all,” the official stated during the inspection.

The energy official further noted that maintaining reliable electricity infrastructure, transmitting power over long distances, and sustaining grid stability all contribute to the overall cost of electricity.

Meanwhile, the inspection focused on the 400/220kV Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu transmission project, one of the country’s flagship electricity infrastructure projects aimed at improving power reliability across Western Kenya.

The project is being implemented by KenGen and has already been energised from Olkaria II through Lessos to the Kibos substation,

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke