Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has developed the Energy Regulations (2021) framework – a draft regulation aimed at spurring investment in mini-grid solutions and accelerating universal access to electricity in the country – and is seeking input from industry stakeholders.
Over the next month, EPRA will conduct nationwide sensitization and consultative sessions in conjunction with the associated Regulatory Impact Statement Report and technical guidelines to review and provide feedback on the framework, which will be incorporated into the Energy Regulations (2021), implemented by the Government of Kenya.
Developed under the provisions of the country’s Energy Act (2019), the Energy Regulations (2021) framework, according to the EPRA website, aims to provide consensus for mini-grid tariff approval, licensing requirements, guidelines for operations performance and reporting requirements and supports the country’s aspiration of achieving universal access to electricity by 2022.
Noting the need to strengthen the regulations through consultation and concurrence amongst key industry players, EPRA Director General, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, noted that, “Deployment of mini-grids requires a robust policy and regulatory framework which encompass input from all key stakeholders. We therefore look forward to receiving your views and feedback on the draft regulations.”
The first consultative forum was held in the Garissa, with future public participation workshops to be held in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lodwar later this month.
According to Kiptoo, the deployment of mini-grids to rural communities provides opportunities to spur socio-economic development by a providing cheaper and cleaner energy sources to businesses.
“An Impact Study of the current mini-grids regulatory framework revealed that the framework does not directly address mini-grid development in the country. It is against this backdrop, and an increased interest in mini-grid development by key players, that EPRA developed the draft mini-grid regulations.” Kiptoo stated.
An estimated 280 mini-grids, powered by solar, hydro, and wind, will be developed to provide underserved communities in Kenya with electricity by 2022.
