Raise power tariffs as a last option

Masinga power station where there is a drop in water levels. (Photo: Edward Kiplimo/Standard)

It is now quite likely that consumers of electricity will have to pay more for power as a result of the falling water levels at the seven folks dams, and its main reservoir in Masinga. The Ministry of Energy says electricity generation from the more costly thermal-fired plants will increase as generation from hydro sources decline owing to inadequate rains during the October-December precipitations.

In recent weeks, water levels at Masinga Dam have dropped to the lowest levels in eight years, and if the lingering drought persists, reliance on electricity from thermal sources is expected to go up beyond the months of January and February.