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Water & Energy

KENYA
WATER
INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION

energy efficiency and conservation programs designed to
help companies identify energy wastage, determine saving
potential and give recommendations on measures to be
implemented.
The main aim is to reduce cost and enhance
competitiveness and profitability, while promoting a clean
and healthy environment.

saving potential (ca. 15%-30%) as well as recommend
energy efficiency & renewable energy measures.

What are Energy Audits?

The WSPs took up the challenge and started
implementing the recommendations of the reports. Some
of the Energy Efficiency solutions required investment;
yet even the ones requiring little or no investment had
potential for significant, immediate cost reduction. An
example of an EE intervention requiring little or no
investment was tariff migration.

An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of
energy (electricity & fuels) flows in a process or system.
The Energy Audit aims to reduce the amount of energy
input into the system without negatively affecting the
output(s).
According to KAM’s CEEC, Energy Audits are designed
to help companies identify Energy Wastage, determine

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Implementation
in water utilities ensures reduced energy costs; reduced
operating costs; reduced Climate Impact / Carbon
footprint {ISO 14001 Compliance} and sustainability of
Water Infrastructure. It also ensures that water is saved.

Energy Efficient (EE) Measures
1. Tariff Migration

If a WSP consumes less than 15,000 units it falls in the Small Commercial electricity tariff, while if it consumes
more than 15,000 units if falls in the Commercial Industrial tariff. WSPs operating on the wrong tariff began to
save costs by simply writing to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and migrating to the right tariff.
Through tariff migration, WSP’s are able to save between KES 235,000 and 1,200,000 per year.

2. Power Factor Correction (PFC) – Capacitors

PFC allows power distribution to operate at its maximum efficiency. If below 0.90%, the WSP is penalized 1.5%
of the total electricity bill per month by KPLC as this low power factor affects its power distribution. Through
quick installation of capacitors, WSP’s are immediately able to save between KES 240,000 and 600,000 per
year.
Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene • March - April 2014

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