NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s electric mobility sector is set for a lift after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) announced plans to scrap the 15,000-kilowatt-hour (kWh) monthly electricity consumption cap for charging stations.
The move is expected to cut costs for operators and allow facilities to power more vehicles without facing steep demand charges, a hurdle that has slowed the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Currently, charging operators enjoy preferential tariffs of Sh8 per kWh during off-peak hours and Sh16 per kWh during peak hours.
However, the rates are capped at 15,000 units per meter each month. Any usage beyond that attracts a separate demand fee, pushing up operational costs.
This has forced some charging operators, especially those servicing electric buses, to ration the number of vehicles connected to one station to avoid breaching the limit.
“A major milestone will be the proposed update of the e-mobility tariff, which will remove the current consumption limit of 15,000 units per month,” Epra said in a statement.
The regulator noted that demand charges are typically levied on commercial and industrial consumers based on their voltage level, while domestic consumers are exempt.
Scrapping the cap will allow EV charging stations to operate at higher capacity without incurring additional penalties.
Kenya currently has about 300 charging stations, according to the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, with most located in Nairobi.
Sector players welcomed the changes, saying they will make charging more affordable and encourage investment in infrastructure.
However, experts also cautioned that expanded charging during the day could put more strain on Kenya’s electricity grid, which has already seen record demand this year.
Energy analyst Nderitu Mwangi said policymakers should also create incentives for nighttime charging to ease pressure on the grid.
“Without balancing measures, the increased load could drive up daytime consumption and complicate grid stability,” he warned.
The tariff review comes as Kenya pushes towards a cleaner transport system, aligning with its renewable energy agenda and efforts to cut fuel dependency.
