[2008-07-30]  KPLC to respond to queries on July power bills
Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) will this morning host a press conference over the recent increase in power tariffs.
The media conference, to be held at the company’s Stima Plaza head office, comes against rising protests about the unusual July consumer bills.
A number of consumers have complained their bills for this month show the cost had gone up by nearly 100 per cent, contrary to the proposed 24 per cent increase.
Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (Kara) said it had received various representations from its members on the unusual July electricity bills.
"We have received various representations from our members, which issues call for your urgent public response," Kara said in a letter sent to the Energy Regulatory Commission.
double cost
The commission said while all consumers were given prior warning of the tariff changes, there are queries on the fuel cost charge.
"In our survey, it is clear that this item costs double the cost of actual consumption," read the statement in part.
"While we are equally aware the price of fuel has gone up, we highly doubt it has doubled to warrant such a high increase and reflection as regards power bills," added Kara.
Analysts have said that the price raise would affect more than one million consumers, most of whom had lost their purchasing power because of escalating expenses.
Kenya has the highest power tariffs in East and Central Africa.


Source: standard