Ongoing rains to cool the cost of electricity
Masinga Dam in Machakos County. The main Masinga Dam has risen over four metres since May 1, 2015. Following increased volumes of water in the Seven-Forks cascade the cost of electricity is expected to come down FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Generation of cheaper electricity from hydro sources leads to resting of part of the heavy diesel production that is more expensive and leads to higher charges.
- Favourable rains in catchment areas would raise the contribution of electricity from the hydro stations to the national grid.
- By Tuesday, levels at Masinga stood at 1,052.8 metres having gained four metres over levels recorded at the beginning of May.
- Forecasts by weathermen also show that the current high rainfall is set to significantly improve water levels.
Consumers could soon feel the cooling effects of ongoing rains, with a reduction in power costs following increased volumes of water in the Seven-Forks cascade.
Generation of cheaper electricity from hydro sources leads to resting of part of the heavy diesel production that is more expensive and leads to higher charges.
According to KenGen, water in the dams has been rising in recent weeks.
Chief executive Albert Mugo said favourable rains in catchment areas would raise the contribution of electricity from the hydro stations to the national grid.
“From the daily reservoir reports, the inflows have been very good.
"The main Masinga Dam has risen over four metres since May 1, 2015.
"Average output from hydro has also increased from around 8.6GWh to over 10 GWh per day,” he said.
He added; “We will step up hydro generation in the months ahead but ensure we conserve available water to last until the short rains later in the year.”
By Tuesday, levels at Masinga stood at 1,052.8 metres having gained four metres over levels recorded at the beginning of May.
At the end of April, the dam level stood at 1047.6 metres. At the Seven Forks cascade, maximum generation is attained when the water reaches full level at 1,056.5 metres, beyond which the dams will attain their spilling points.
Mr Mugo said by stepping up hydropower generation, KenGen is ensuring stability and predictability of electricity supply.
Forecasts by weathermen also show that the current high rainfall is set to significantly improve water levels.
