KPLC: Why you may be getting fewer electricity units for same amount of money

KPLC staff conducting maintenance/FILE

If you've noticed you're getting fewer electricity units for the same amount of money, Kenya Power says the reason could lie in the tariff category you’ve been assigned.

In a statement, the utility firm explained that customers are placed into different tariff categories based on their average electricity consumption over a three-month period — not just one month’s usage.

A tariff, Kenya Power clarified, refers to the pricing structure for electricity supply, covering rates, costs, adjustments, and all related conditions.

Among the available options, the most affordable is the Domestic 1 tariff, commonly known as the Lifeline Tariff. This category offers lower electricity rates for households with minimal energy needs.

To qualify for the Lifeline Tariff, a customer must consistently use less than 30 units of electricity each month for three consecutive billing periods. Under this plan, electricity costs just Sh15 per unit, making it a cost-effective choice for low-consumption households.

"Today, we’re highlighting the most affordable option — Domestic 1," Kenya Power said.

"If your monthly consumption remains below 30 units for three consecutive billing periods, you qualify for this tariff — at just Sh15 per unit."

The company stressed that tariff assignments are based on average usage over time rather than a single month’s consumption.

This approach, they said, is designed to make electricity more accessible for low-usage customers.

Currently, the average cost of electricity, including taxes and levies, stands at Sh15 per unit.

Kenya Power urged customers to monitor their consumption closely to benefit from the Lifeline Tariff where possible — a move that could help many households manage their energy costs more effectively.