Enigin Update - Proposed Energy Efficiency Regulation for Kenya
KENYA’S Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is about to introduce new regulations to reduce energy losses in industry, commercial buildings and large institutions.
The Commission is proposing Energy Management Regulations 2011, that will lead to the implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation measures across these three sectors.
Eng Kaburu Mwirichia, the Director General for (ERC) said during a presentation to the Kenya Association of Manufactures in Nairobi, that energy waste in these sectors accounts for up to 35 percent of energy use.
With the proposed Regulations, Mwirichia explained that the improved energy efficiency would deliver financial savings of over Kshs 2.5 billion ($37.4 million) per annum.
Mwirichia explained: "The proposed Energy Regulations, 2011 will reduce energy waste and hence minimise the use of expensive emergency power and increase energy utilisation index in our energy consuming facilities, making our locally manufactured products competitive in the world market."
He also highlighted that currently there is little understanding of the need to implement and improve energy efficiency amongst Kenya’s major energy consumers. Although he added that the Kenyan government is encouraging private sector participation for technical and financial support for energy efficiency.
Mwirichia said the Regulations will also oversee, amongst other areas, the introduction of an Energy Management Policy, energy audits, licensing of energy auditors and energy audit firms.
He also stated that under the new regulations the owner or occupier of a designated facility will be required to have an energy management policy, which is to be filed with the ERC for approval.
He stated: "The owner or occupier of any designated facility shall designate an energy officer who shall be responsible for development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programmes.
"Every designated facility shall undertake energy audits every three years. Energy audits shall be undertaken by a licensed energy auditor or audit firm," Mwirichia concluded.
Enigin Distributors are in an ideal position to help industry, commercial buildings and large institutions to comply with these regulations, helping not only with energy units but also with ongoing management and monitoring in real-time of energy - all through Enigin plc's technology and solutions.
Picutre of Nairobi City by Doctor Who reproduced under CCL.
