December 2014 Quarterly

ON THE RISE:

Demand for Solar Energy licenses

Other highlights

ERC FINANCIAL RECORDS GET RAVE REVIEW

REGIONAL COOPERATION: Tanzanias regulator

sends Board Member to learn about renewable energy

OUR ROLE in National Electricity Supply

Gains and benefits of ENERGY CONSERVATION

ALSO INSIDE: NEW STAFF | EVENTS PICTORIAL | LPG SAFETY

 Contents

12 Energy Conservation
03 Editorial
Gains and Benefits

04 Director Generals Message

13 News in Pictures

06 Preparing the Grid Code for a brighter

15 ERCs role in national electricity supply
future

17 LPG Safety and Awareness

08 Tanzanian official visits ERC,
learns about renewable energy
19 Too much water is dangerous for your
health
09 ERC regulatory role highlighted at
sector meeting with MPs
20 ERCs new staff
Welcome aboard!
10 Solar Energy Licenses Growing in
Popularity

The Energy News Team Quarterly

Editor
Antoinette Kamau

Editorial Committee
Antoinette Kamau
Engineer Joseph Oketch
Edward Kinyua
Kimani Muhoro
Laura Wanyika
Godfrey Mwaloma

Writers
Godfrey Mwaloma
Eliakim Mwalo 09 Energy Retreat
Contributors
Eng. Buge Wasioya
Eng. Joseph Oketch

Connect with ERC on social media

The opinions expressed in the Energy EnergyRegulatoryCommissionKE @energy_ke

News are not necessarily those of the
Energy Regulatory Commission.

Energy News 2 November 2014

 Quarterly

IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to the November 2014 edition of to a safe, market-driven and investor-friendly
the Energy News, a quarterly e-newsletter energy sector. From the consumer standpoint,
published by the Energy Regulatory we have an article on how to use LPG gas safely.
Commission of Kenya.
The Energy News is not all business though. As
The Energy News e-newsletter highlights the its said, all work and no play ...
energy sector from a regulators perspective.
We are reminded to take adequate water to
We strive to develop relationships with boost our health, but did you know that too
stakeholders for the benefit of the energy much of it is harmful? Theres a fascinating
sector as expressed in the symmetrical model article on Page 19 about hyponatremia.
of communication. Symmetrical communication
ERC is active on social media after a revamp of
utilizes dialogue and negotiation to promote
our Facebook and Twitter outlets. Both of
mutual understanding between the organization
these accounts are monitored continuously and
and its stakeholders. We are continuously
there is already vibrant conversation with
engaging with legislators, oil marketing
stakeholders on various aspects of the energy
companies, energy utilities, consumers and
sector.
policy makers in line with our customer-centred
orientation.
Have a pleasant reading!
The countrys energy sector is so vibrant that
Antoinette Kamau
something new is happening almost every day.
EDITOR
The Energy News e-newsletter brings you the
stories that show the regulators contribution

Energy News 3 November 2014

 From the Director General

K enyas energy sector is experiencing

rapid transformation thanks to private
through the media and through various
forums.
and public sector investment in the
We plan to hasten the approval cycle for
electricity, petroleum and renewable
stakeholders seeking licenses in the energy
energy subsectors.
sector as we strive to support business
ERC is facilitating investment as part of its activity in Kenya. There is ongoing work on
mission which is to facilitate access to standardizing ERC certificates and
efficient and sustainable energy through enhancing their security features to ensure
enabling regulation that will contribute to credibility.
better quality of life in Kenya.
In the medium to long term, I see ERC
This newsletter is a great avenue for gaining a greater presence at regional level
energy stakeholders, consumers and to support county governments in
entrepreneurs to learn more about ERCs implementing their mandates under
role in the energy industry, and the value devolved government.
we provide to consumers, investors and
other stakeholders. I welcome you to this edition of the ERC
Energy News and I wish you pleasant
However, the newsletter should not be
reading!
seen as a one-sided channel of information.
We encourage you to get in touch with us
Eng. Joseph Nganga
on all matters related to energy. We are
DIRECTOR GENERAL
already increasing our engagement with
stakeholders and the public at large

Energy News 4 November 2014

 CLEAN FINANCIAL RECORDS! ERC, MOMBASA COUNTY HOST
ERC commended by parliamentary watchdog LPG STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP
The Public Investments Committee of the
National Assembly has praised the Energy
Regulatory Commission for submitting clean financial
records spanning seven years.

The Vice Chairperson of the Committee Hon.

Kimani Ichungwah commended ERC for setting an
example to other public bodies. Hon. Ichungwah
suggested that the Kenya National Audit Office
(KENAO) use ERC as a reference point.

The Public Investments Committee was examining

ERC financial reports for the financial years ERCs Senior Manager for Petroleum Edward Kinyua (right)
2006/2007 to 2012/2013. at a sensitization workshop held for LPG stakeholders in
Mombasa County on 18 September 2014. The workshop,
ERC was represented by Director General Eng.
organized with the county government of Mombasa, focused
Joseph Nganga accompanied by the Commissions
on the licensing of LPG businesses.
senior management. The sitting was held on 13
Photo: Mombasa County Government
November 2014.

ERC JOINS INVESTOR POWER PLAN CAMPAIGN

In anticipating Kenyas energy needs, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the Energy Regulatory Commission
and electricity utilities are working with the private sector to accurately determine how much electricity the country
will be required to generate in the coming years.

To this end, an online portal has been established to collect data on private sector electricity needs. Through the
portal, large and medium scale users of electricity are requested to provide information on expansion plans that will
require additional power.

The Investor Power Plan ties in with Project 5000+ MW, an initiative launched in September 2013 to fast track an
increase in Kenya's generating capacity by 5,000MW within 40 months.

Energy News 5 November 2014

 Main story

Preparing the Grid Code

for a brighter future

ERCs Engineer Joseph Oketch

explains why the rules for the
national grid are about to
undergo a transformation

T he Kenya Electricity Grid Joseph Oketch, Senior Manager for Kenya National Electricity

Code - developed in 2008 - Consumer Affairs at ERC. Transmission Code. This is to reduce

is a primary technical document of It has now become necessary to the bulkiness of the Grid Code and

the electricity supply industry. The revise the Grid Code in response to make implementation easier.

document specifies the technical new technologies and because of the Eng. Oketch, who is also ERCs
requirements for planning, massive expansion of Kenyas liaison officer with the Eastern
connection, operation and use of the electricity network as envisaged in Africa Power Pool (EAPP) says
National Power Grid. Project 5000+MW. reforms to the Grid Code will foster

In turn, the National Power Grid The Grid Code needs to regional integration of the various

refers to the network of incorporate technological national grids. For instance, there

transmission systems, distribution developments and improved industry are plans to connect Kenyas

systems and connection points for best practices, says Eng. Oketch. In electrical grid with that of Ethiopia

the movement and supply of addition, there is need to delink the and Tanzania through a 400KV

electrical energy from generating technical requirements of the Grid transmission system. Additional plans

stations to consumers. Code from commercial include a new transmission line

considerations. between Kenya and Uganda that

The Grid Code contains the
could be extended as far as Rwanda.
regulations for the electricity The requirements for
transmission and distribution transmission and distribution may be On the massive Project 5000+MW

network, the technical requirements, put under separate codes or as projects, Eng. Oketch describes the

planning procedures, tariff chapters of the Kenya Electricity challenges to be anticipated: Our

methodologies and internal Grid Code namely; Kenya National interconnected electricity grid

regulations, explains Engineer Electricity Distribution Code and system challenges are bound to shift

Energy News 6 November 2014

greatly due to the injection of more The reform of the Grid Code renewable energy generators
power from intermittent renewable received a boost from USAID, which integration study report; and
energy sources like wind and solar. provided assistance under the Grid revised Kenya Electricity Grid
Management Support Programme Code incorporating findings of the
The revised Grid Code must take
(GMSP). Nexant, a consultancy firm, above three items.
cognisance of these power projects
and model their incorporation into was brought on board in November The consultant has presented both
the system by prescribing 2013 to guide the process. A drafts of the Kenya Electricity
interconnection and operational Technical Review Working Group Transmission Code and the Kenya
requirements which will not (TRWG) composed of key technical Electricity Distribution Code for
compromise electricity grid system and legal staff from all the energy comments and consensus seeking
stability. This is in line with ERC sector organizations was formed to among the energy sector
planning principles of adequate, work closely with the consultant organizations before preparing the
reliable and affordable power for during the exercise. final draft. Once the draft is
the countrys economy. The consultants key deliverables presented to ERC, it will be subject to
are: broad stakeholder consultation.
On the other hand, system
stability is bound to improve with the current System Operational We are optimistic that the
the introduction of large power Gap Analysis (SOGA) report; revised Kenya Electricity Grid Code(s)
plants like the proposed 960MW system stability study report will be in place by the beginning July
coal-fired electricity generating representing system expansion 2015, Eng. Oketch says.
station at Lamu, the proposed plans;

700MW LPG station and many more.

High voltage transmission lines at Kipevu, Mombasa.

Energy News 7 November 2014

 News

Tanzanian director in study tour of Kenyas

renewable energy subsector

Mr. Nicholas Mbwanji (left) with ERC Mr. Mbwanji (right) tours Strathmore At the Ngong Wind Farm with KenGen
Director General Eng. Joseph Nganga. Universitys solar electricity system. engineers and ERC staff.

A board member of 10,000MW by 2025, hence the dust on the surface can reduce

Tanzania's Energy and interest in renewable energy. The electricity output by as much as 20%.

Water Utilities Regulatory Authority biggest challenge lies in attracting The university has a weekly cleaning

(EWURA) was in Kenya early October investors, licensing and balancing the schedule to ensure optimal output

with a specific interest in generating various stakeholder interests, said from its solar panels.

electricity using renewable energy. Mr. Mbwanji. Mr. Mbwanji also went for a tour

During his three day visit to ERC Director-General Eng. Joseph of KenGen's Olkaria Geothermal Field

Kenya, Mr Nicholas Mbwanji met Ng'ang'a gave Mr. Mbwanji an at Naivasha. Olkaria was buzzing with

senior management of ERC and toured overview of Kenya's own plans of activity as KenGen contractors

renewable energy sites at Strathmore raising electricity generating capacity installed the piping systems and

University, Olkaria Geothermal Field by 5,000MW through Project 5000+ equipment that is expected to

and Ngong Wind Farm. Mr. Mbwanji MW. A lot of the new generating increase geothermal generating

was very impressed at Kenya's capacity will come from renewable capacity by 280MW come December

investment in renewable energy. energy sources including geothermal, 2014.

wind and solar energy. Mr. Mbwanji was impressed by the
I have seen a very strong
commitment by the Kenyan The regulator [ERC] ensures that depth of knowledge displayed by the

government to invest in renewable tariffs are competitive enough to engineers at Olkaria. Human capital is

energy, he said, this is a very attract investors into the power very important in developing a

important lesson that I will take back sector while keeping energy prices as renewable energy subsector, he

to Tanzania. low as possible, explained Eng. observed.

Ng'ang'a. On the last day of his visit, the
While Kenya has been generating
electricity from renewable energy for On the first day of his visit, Mr. Tanzanian guest toured the Ngong

several decades, the same is not the Mbwanji visited Strathmore Wind Farm whose installed capacity is

case in Tanzania. Apart from a few University to learn how solar energy is 25MW. The turbines have automated

hydroelectric stations, Tanzania helping cut energy costs. At 600kw, systems designed to optimize

largely relies on thermal power Strathmore University's solar electricity generation by adapting to

generation. However, unlike Kenya, photovoltaic installation is among the changing wind speeds and direction.

Tanzania has vast reserves of fossil largest in Kenya. Many of the wind turbines at Ngong

fuel including coal and natural gas. An important lesson learnt at Hills are new, having been

Strathmore University is that solar commissioned a few months prior to

Tanzania plans to increase its
panels need to be kept clean because Mr. Mbwanji's visit.
electricity generating output to

Energy News 8 November 2014

 News

ERC regulatory role HIGHLIGHTED

at sector-wide meeting with MPs
Kenyas Power Purchase Agreements among the best worldwide, MPs told

T he Energy
Commission
Regulatory
provides
balance between the viability needs
a
ERC attended the
alongside state corporations under
retreat possible. Power purchase in Kenya
are among the best in the world as
the Ministry of Energy and there is virtually no risk of default.
of energy investors and the desire of Petroleum. Energy and Petroleum Other countries are already learning
consumers for affordable energy, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, from Kenyas model because it is
Members of the National Assembly Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge attractive to investors.
learnt in September. and other Ministry officials were Mr. Chirchir assured the MPs of
ERC is meant to be a market- present at the retreat. The a 70% reduction on the fuel cost
enabler, intervening whenever there Parliamentary Departmental element of electricity prices as
is a failure in free market Co m m i tt e e was led by its more geothermal power gets into
mechanisms, Director General Chairperson, Hon. Jamleck Kamau. the national grid.
Joseph Nganga told members of the In its presentation, ERC Chairman of the Departmental
Parliamentary Departmental demonstrated that petroleum prices Committee on Energy,
Committee on Energy, Information and electricity tariffs in Kenya are Communication & Information, Hon.
and Communication during a retreat very competitive when compared to Jamleck Kamau spoke of the
held at Mombasa on 12th September. those of other countries that do not excellent relationship between the
The retreat was organized to subsidize energy. Committee and the Ministry of
enable members of the Committee Petroleum prices and electricity Energy & Petroleum.
better understand ongoing tariffs should reflect the cost of At the end of the day-long
developments in the energy sector, production and supply otherwise retreat, there was agreement that
including the governments plan to there would be no incentive for similar retreats be held in future to
increase national electricity investment in the energy sector, enhance the already good
production to 5,000MW by 2018. explained ERCs DG, Joseph relationship between the Ministry
In addition, the MPs were very Nganga. of Energy and Petroleum, energy
concerned with the prices of Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir sector state corporations and
petroleum and electricity. Another said the energy sector should be Parliament.
point of interest was the price tag left to self regulate as much as
for new electricity connections.

Energy News 9 November 2014

 News

SOLAR ENERGY LICENSES

GROWING IN POPULARITY

L ast September, Professor Maina Maringa sat in a room with close to 200 other people mostly younger than
him. The group was sitting for written interviews administered by ERC as part of the application process for
Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) licenses.

Prof. Maringa has over 30 years means that even those professionals

experience in the electrical industry. that were already practising need to

He is a Chartered Engineer, a acquire the necessary licenses.

mechanical engineer and also a The first interview in March

university lecturer. 2013 had five applicants, recalls

Despite his accomplishments, Prof. Caroline Kimathi. This September

Maringa is applying for a license as a [2014], we interviewed over 150

solar PV technician. The Energy (Solar people applying for licenses as

Photovoltaic Systems) Regulations technicians in solar PV and solar

2012 make it mandatory for anyone water heating, she says.

engaging in solar PV business to Five interviews for licenses were

obtain a license from ERC. Professor Maina Maringa held in 2013 and six scheduled for

I am applying for a Technician T3 2014 to cater for the increased

gazetted to protect the public from
license to get my solar business number of applicants. Applicants
sub-standard products and untrained
licensed, said Prof. Maringa. He register through the Commissions
technicians. A related law is the
intends to import solar panels, solar website (www.erc.go.ke) after which
Energy (Solar Water Heating)
lighting equipment and solar heaters they are invited for written and oral
Regulations, 2012. Both laws make it a
for sale in the country. Anyone interviews.
criminal offense for anyone to
planning to design, distribute, produce, distribute, supply or install Approximately 16 tertiary
promote, sell or install solar PV solar energy equipment without a valid institutions across Kenya offer
systems, is required to be, or have in license. training in solar PV and solar water
his employment, at least a class T2 heating. ERC only recognizes training
Customers would get disappointed
technician. courses offered in institutions
by solar energy systems because of
Apart from fulfilling the accredited by the National Industrial
wrong advice given by unqualified
necessary requirements, the license Training Authority (NITA).
people, says Caroline Kimathi of
will enable me supervise my ERCs Renewable Energy Department. The lists of licensed solar PV and
employees, says the Professor. solar water heating contractors,
Today, customers and employers
The Energy (Solar Photovoltaic vendors and technicians are available
prefer working with licensed
Systems) Regulations, 2012 were on the ERC website.
technicians and contractors. This

Energy News 10 November 2014

Classes of Solar PV Technicians' Licenses
T1: Entitles the holder to carry out solar PV system installation work for small systems or single battery
DC systems of up to 100Wp (watts peak).

T2: Entitles the holder to carry out solar PV system installation work for medium systems or multiple
batteries which may include an inverter.

T3: Entitles the holder to carry out solar PV system installation work for advanced projects, including grid
connected and hybrid systems.

Qualifications and Experience for Solar PV Technician Licenses

CATEGORY OF LICENSE Academic Qualifications Experience needed

KCPE, Electrical Govt Trade Test 2 Verifiable 2 years solar

T1
and basic solar training. installation experience.

KCSE, Certificate in Electrical and/

Verifiable 4 years solar
or Electronic and Intermediate Solar
installation experience.
Training.

KCSE, Diploma in Electrical and/or

Verifiable 2 years solar
T2 Electronic and Intermediate Solar
installation experience.
Training.

BSc Electrical Engineering or

One year of solar installation
relevant degree or Higher National
experience.
Diploma.

KCSE, Diploma in Electrical and/or

Verifiable 4 years solar
Electronic and Advanced Solar
installation experience.
Training.
T3
BSc Electrical Engineering or
2 years of solar installation
relevant degree or Higher National
experience.
Diploma

Classes of Solar PV Contractors/Vendors Licenses

C1: Entitles the holder to carry out design and installation work for solar PV systems, in which case the
contractor shall be requested to be or have in his employment a class T3 technician.

V1: Entitles the holder to design, distribute, promote, sell or install solar PV systems, in which case the
licensee shall be required to be, or have in his employment a class T2 technician.

V2: Entitles the holder to manufacture or import solar PV systems or components, in which case the
licensee shall be required to be or to have in his employment a class T2 technician.

Licensing requirements for Solar PV Contractors/Vendors

In order to be licensed as a contractor/vendor, one must have in his employment a licensed Solar PV
systems technician, in addition to submitting the following documents:
1. Certificate of Incorporation
2. VAT certificate
3. Valid Tax compliance certificate.

Energy News 11 November 2014

 Matters of Energy

Energy conservation:
Economic gains and environmental benefits

A biomass cook stove.

E nergy conservation means yield direct savings on energy costs. account for 22% and 9% respectively

preventing energy from From a national stand point, reduced of national energy consumption, wood

being wasted through such actions as imports of energy resources have a fuel and other biomass account for

turning off lights when not in use and positive effect on national balance of 68%. Access to electricity remains

by utilizing technology that improves payments. Optimized use of the low, with just about 18% of

energy efficiency.
Energy consumption is increasing
due to economic growth, industrial
development and changing consumer
preferences. Most of the energy
consumed worldwide still comes from
fossil fuels such as oil, coal and
natural gas. Consumption of fossil
fuel results in emissions of carbon
countrys power stations defers the households connected to electricity.
need to increase generating capacity. Energy consumption could drop
drastically if subjected to efficiency
Environmental impacts
and conservation measures. 26% of
The environmental benefits of
electricity users in Kenya do not
energy efficiency are clear: a
apply any efficiency conservation
reduction in energy consumption that
methods as is the case with 50% of
lowers the emission of pollutants and
wood fuel users and 27% of charcoal
greenhouse gases.
users. Just about 28% of electricity

dioxide and contributes to climate consumers utilize energy saving

Current situation in Kenya
change. appliances to save on energy.
Kenya faces huge challenges of
meeting its energy needs in the drive Outlook
Economic factors
towards Vision 2030.
Energy conservation reduces As governments come under
The energy sector is largely increasing pressure to improve the
energy costs and improves
dominated by petroleum and quality of life while limiting emissions
profitability. Measures of instituting
electricity, with wood fuel providing associated with power generation,
energy efficiency benefit the
the basic energy needs for rural there will necessarily be more
national economy in a several ways.
communities and the urban poor. attention focused on energy
From the consumer perspective,
While petroleum and electricity efficiency and conservation.
energy efficiency and conservation

Energy News 12 November 2014

 PICTORIAL

Fenwicks Musonye (left) of

ERCs Renewable Energy
Department, assists a candidate
during interviews for solar
energy licenses in September
2014.

Members of the press (left) at a

media briefing with ERC
management (right).

ERC staff at the control room of

Gulf Powers Athi River power
station during a tour.

Energy News 13 November 2014

 PICTORIAL

In October, ERC hosted

secretarial students from
Githunguri who came to get a
feel for a modern office. The
students had many questions for
staff who shared their knowledge
with them.

Chairperson of the Petroleum

Institute of East Africa (PIEA)
Mr. Polycarp Igathe (right) when
the Institute made a courtesy call
on ERC in November 2014.
With him is PIEA General
Manager Wanjiku Manyara
(centre) and Total Kenya
Managing Director Ada Eze
(left).

ERC staff listen keenly during

Risk Management training held
in November 2014.

Energy News 14 November 2014

 Matters of Energy

ERCs role in national electricity supply

By Engineer Buge Wasioya

The Electric Power Market accordance with licences and permits sub-sector, in coordination with
Structure issued to it by the Commission. The other statutory authorities;
Electricity generation in Kenya is Commission also approves the retail enforce and review regulations,
liberalised with several licensed tariffs charged for the supply. codes and standards for the
electric power producers (see table). sub-sector;
The net electrical energy from Regulation of the Electricity ensure compliance with
the power generating plants is Supply Industry conditions of licenses or
bought by the Kenya Power and The Commission is responsible permits;
Lighting Company (KPLC) through for economic and t e c h n ic a l
set, review and adjust electric
power purchase agreements (PPAs) regulation of the electric power sub-
power tariffs and tariff
approved by the Commission. sector and for this purpose, it has
structures, and investigate
The energy is then conveyed over powers to:
tariff charges, whether or not
transmission systems owned by KPLC issue, renew, modify, suspend a specific application has been
or the Kenya Electricity or revoke licences and permits; made for a tariff adjustment;
Transmission Company (KETRACO), propose to th e Cabinet approve electric power
both of whom are licensed by the Secretary regulations which purchase and network service
Commission to provide transmission may be necessary or expedient contracts for all persons
services. for the sub-sector; engaging in electric power
Finally, KPLC carries out formulate, enforce and review undertakings;
distribution and retail supply of the environmental, health, safety examine and approve meters
electrical energy to customers in and quality standards for the used or intended to be used for

INSTALLED CAPACITY IN MW AS AT NOVEMBER 2014

Energy News 15 November 2014

 ascertaining the quantity of
Requirement for licence or permit
electrical energy;
Undertaking or Required Applicable
license electricians and register activity Authorisation Regulation
electrical contractors;
Generation of
investigate complaints or
electricity not
disputes between parties with None
exceeding 1,000 kW
grievances over any matter for own use
required to be regulated under
the Act; Generation and supply
of electrical energy
prescribe the requirements for Permit Energy (Electricity
not exceeding 3,000
Licensing)
accreditation of persons with kW
Regulations, 2012
appropriate skills to check
accuracy of energy meters Generation,
installed in residential, transmission,
commercial or industrial distribution and
Licence
supply of electrical
premises; energy exceeding
impose sanctions and penalties 3,000 kW

on persons who are in breach of

Electricians licence Electric Power
any of the provisions of the Act Electrical installation
and Certificate of (Electrical
work at the premises
or its regulations. registration as an Installation Work)
of a customer
Electrical Contractor Rules, 2006

Resolution of complaints and disputes

Any person dissatisfied with any aspect of a service provided by any licensee is advised to lodge a complaint
directly with the licensee, in accordance with the licensees complaints handling procedures. If the complainant
has exhausted the licensees complaints handling procedures and remains unsatisfied, he or she may refer
their complaint to the Commission, providing documentary proof of contact with the licensee.

Full details of how one can file a complaint against a licensee are set out in the Energy (Complaints and Dis-
putes Resolution) Regulations, 2012.

Energy News 16 November 2014

 Matters of Energy

LPG Safety and Awareness

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a gas from different brand owners,

highly flammable liquid which can be says ERC Director General Joseph

defined as commercial butane, Nganga.

commercial propane or any mixture The increased use of LPG in Kenya

of both. has not been without challenges, key

At normal temperatures and among them being the proliferation

pressures LPG is a gas but as supplied of illegal LPG operators who fill and

it is a liquid under pressure. When distribute well-known LPG cylinder

this pressure is reduced, for example brands without authority from the

when the control valve is opened, the brand owners. The illegal operators

liquid starts to boil and gas is evolved get LPG cylinders get from

with 1 litre of liquid providing about consumers seeking cylinder refills or

250 litres of gas. Butane is less outright theft of cylinders from LPG
source that could reduce over marketing companies.
volatile than propane.
dependence on wood fuel and
Current annual LPG consumption in The Energy Act 2006 provides a
charcoal, hence contribute to
Kenya is estimated at about 90,000 licensing framework that requires
environmental sustainability.
metric tonnes which roughly individuals interested in operating
Though ERC currently does not LPG business to obtain licenses from
translates to a per capital
have a mandate to regulate the the Energy Regulatory Commission
consumption of 2.25 kg which is
prices of LPG, the Commission is (ERC). There are various licenses for
below Africas average per capita
eager to see that LPG is conveniently LPG imports, exports, wholesale,
consumption rate of 3 kg. Demand
available to the public at an transport, storage and filling of
for LPG in Kenya is expected to
affordable price. To this end, ERC cylinders. On its part, ERC has the
reach 200,000 metric tonnes after
plans to publish the prices of LPG mandate to stop and prosecute
challenges in the current supply chain
sold by various companies and unlicensed operators.
are smoothened out.
compare them with recommended
The government has Kenyan consumers need to ensure
prices based on a model currently
their own safety by buying LPG only
acknowledged the importance of LPG being developed. This will empower
from licensed retailers.
as an alternative household energy consumers in their choice of cooking

The following safety measures are designed to save Kenyan taxpayers from buying substandard LPG products

All LPG dealers should have a licence displayed at their place of business at all times.
An official receipt with the cylinders serial number and weight should be clearly indicated upon purchase.
For the safety of consumers, retailers should check the test date on each cylinder making sure it doesnt exceed 8
years.

Each LPG cylinder should be sealed.

Weigh the filled LPG cylinder to get value for your money.
Check that the cylinder is well marked with appropriate safety symbols, for example, Highly Flammable.
Consumers should also know that the only person authorized to fill an LPG cylinder is the person whose brand
appears on that cylinder.

Compiled by Eliakim R. Mwalo

Energy News 17 November 2014

 Easy corner

Happens every week ...

Not all advice is sincere

Energy News 18 November 2014

 Your health

Getting the right amount ...

How much is too much?
You have heard it several times.
When its hot or when exercising,
drink lots of water. Thats how to
keep your body hydrated. But can
there be too much of a good
thing?
Symptoms and treatment
The warning signs of hyponatremia
look a lot like the symptoms of
heatstroke and exhaustion. You might
be hot, have a headache, experience
loss of energy, muscle weakness and
spasms. Other early symptoms can
include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
If you don't get help right away, the
condition can quickly lead to swelling in
the brain, seizures, and coma.
Compiled by Eliakim R. Mwalo

Drinking a large amount of water

within a short time can be
dangerous. It can dilute your
blood and cause the concentration
of salts to drop to dangerously
low levels. That's a condition
called hyponatremia. It's very
serious, and can be fatal. You may
hear it called water intoxication.

Such cases are isolated and rare

as more people tend to be
dehydrated rather than having a
problem with over-hydration.

What is water intoxication?

If you drink a bottle of water
here and there when you exercise
or when you feel hot, that is fine.
The problem comes when you
drink too much, too fast. The
kidneys can only expel about half
a liter an hour, so if you are
drinking more than that, it means
you are taking in more than your
kidneys can handle.

Causes
Drinking too much affects the
bodys sodium levels. One of
sodiums jobs is to balance the
fluids in and around your cells.
Drinking too much water causes
an imbalance, and water moves
from your blood to inside your
cells, making them swell. Swelling
of the cells is serious and if it
happens in the brain then
immediate treatment should be
sought.

Energy News 19 November 2014

 ERC New Staff

HAMID MOHAMMED ROBERT CHIRCHIR

ANTONY KIARIE JAMES OCHIENG
Technical Officer, Technical Officer,
Driver Accountant
Petroleum Renewable Energy
Joined 3rd November Joined 10th November
Joined 3rd November Joined 10th November
2014 2014
2014 2014

Congratulations and welcome to the Energy community!

The Renewable Energy Portal

The Renewable Energy Portal is an inter agency website aimed at providing investors with a single point of
information on requirements for getting into the renewable energy sub-sector.

Visit: http://www.renewableenergy.go.ke/

The Energy News Quarterly is published by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Kenya (ERC).
Players in the energy industry, consumers, policy makers and researchers are encouraged to
participate in the production of this newsletter by sending articles, photos and news tips. Contact
the editors at ERC Communication and Public Affairs Department (CPA).