The Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) has reported a new record in electricity consumption with a peak of 2,316 MW recorded on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The demand is said to be 12 MW higher than the previous peak of 2,304 MW recorded on January 15, 2025.

Data from Kenya Power’s National Control Centre indicates that the high demand for electricity has been consistently growing over the past three years, with the growth rate picking up speed in 2024.

Electricity demand surpassed the 2,000 MW mark towards the end of 2021 and reached over 2,100 MW in 2022. However, it remained steadily below 2,200 MW throughout 2023 before picking up momentum again in June 2024.

KPLC Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror explained that the growth in demand has largely been fueled by investments aimed at stabilizing the national grid and the construction of development of key projects such as the completion of the Kimuka 220/66kV substation by KETRACO from which Kenya Power built four 66kV feeder lines to Nairobi and neighbouring counties.

The prompt completion of other projects such as the 33kV double circuit interconnector between Narok and Bomet and the network reinforcement project have also enhanced power supply reliability to ensure consistent sales.

The benefits gained from the completion of these projects have been complemented by the growing number of new customers connected to the grid, thus resulting to a higher demand for electricity.

Siror stated that the investment in upgrading transmission lines by Kenya Power and KETRACO has led to a more stable grid. He mentioned that they have connected more than 198,535 new customers to the national grid over the past six months.

Ndindi to pocket more millions as Kenya Power announces interim dividend

With improved grid stability and the implementation of various connectivity projects, he expects steady growth in electricity demand in both the short and medium term.

Kenya Power is currently implementing the donor-funded Last Mile Phases IV and V, which aim to connect a total of 289,121 new customers to the national grid.

Kenya Power is also actively promoting the adoption of e-cooking and electric motorization to boost electricity demand while contributing to environmental conservation.

As part of this effort, in April last year, Kenya Power announced a three-year investment of up to Sh258 million to drive the uptake of electric vehicles in the country.