Kenyans are paying some of the highest electricity bills they have ever seen. A KSh 1,000 token that used to give you 60 units now gives you 38. Here is why your bill keeps rising and what you can actually do about it.
What Makes Up Your Kenya Power Bill
Most people assume they are paying for the units of electricity they consume. The truth is, your bill has at least 8 separate charges, and the unit cost is just one of them.
| Charge | What It Is | Who Benefits |
| Energy charge | Cost per unit consumed | Kenya Power |
| Fuel Cost Charge (FCC) | Adjusts for fuel used in generation | Kenya Power |
| Foreign Exchange Adjustment (FERFA) | Covers currency fluctuation on imported power | Kenya Power |
| REP Levy | Rural Electrification Programme contribution | Government |
| ERC Levy | Energy Regulatory Commission fee | Government |
| KETRACO Charge | Transmission infrastructure fee | KETRACO |
| VAT (16%) | Applied to most charges above | KRA |
| Fixed charge | Monthly standing charge | Kenya Power |
The Fuel Cost Charge and FERFA fluctuate monthly based on oil prices and the shilling’s performance against the dollar. When the shilling weakens or oil prices rise, your bill goes up automatically — even if you use the same number of units.
10 Practical Ways to Reduce Your Kenya Power Bill
- Switch to LED bulbs—they use up to 80% less power than filament bulbs
- Unplug appliances at the socket when not in use—standby mode still draws power
- Use a solar water heater instead of an electric shower where possible
- Run heavy appliances like washing machines and irons during off-peak hours (10pm–6am)
- Defrost your fridge regularly—ice buildup forces the compressor to work harder
- Cook with a gas cooker for daily cooking and use the electric only when necessary
- Install a solar panel for lighting and phone charging—small systems cost KSh 15,000–30,000
- Fix leaking taps—if you have an electric water pump, it runs more to compensate
- Use a pressure cooker—it reduces cooking time and energy use significantly
- Apply for the lifeline tariff if your consumption is under 50 units per month—the rate is lower
How to Check How Many Units You Have Left
Dial *977# on any Safaricom line and follow the prompts to check your Kenya Power prepaid balance. You can also check via the Kenya Power app or by sending your meter number to 95551.
How to Report Kenya Power Electricity Interruptions
- Call Kenya Power on 97771 (toll-free)
- SMS your meter number and area to 95551
- Use the Kenya Power app to log a fault
- Check scheduled outages at kplc.co.ke before calling
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