Kenyans Face Heavy Fines Under Proposed EPRA Electrical Safety Rules
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has created new draft rules aimed at improving safety and establishing a formal process for reporting electrical incidents and accidents within Kenya’s electricity sector.
These proposed rules are outlined in the Energy (Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting) Regulations, 2024.
EPRA is seeking public input on these proposed regulations, inviting Kenyan citizens to provide feedback. If these rules are approved by Members of Parliament (MPs), individuals and licensed entities who fail to report electrical accidents will face significant fines and penalties.
“The authority or its agents may carry out inspection, in relation to compliance with these regulations, in accordance with provisions of Section 11 of the Act. A Licensee who commits any of the offences listed in this regulation shall be liable to the fine/penalty indicated against it,” EPRA stated.
Specifically, the rules specify that licensed entities who do not report workplace incidents or accidents within 48 hours will be fined KSh 5,000 per day for a maximum of 30 days. If they fail to report such incidents altogether, they will be penalized KSh 100,000 for each unreported occurrence.
Furthermore, businesses that falsify reports or fail to maintain accurate records of incidents on their premises will be subject to fines of KSh 100,000.
In addition to the reporting requirements, the proposed regulations will also penalize those who do not designate a responsible individual to ensure safety compliance on their property. Until such a person is appointed, the fine will be KSh 5,000 per day.
To ensure that all reported accidents are thoroughly investigated and that preventative measures are implemented, licensed entities that neglect to investigate reported accidents will also be fined KSh 5,000 per day.
Here is a breakdown of the EPRA fines and penalties:
- Failure to report an incident/accident within the required timeframes: KSh 5,000 daily for 30 days.
- Failure to report an incident/accident: KSh 100,000 for each incident.
- Failure to maintain records: KSh 100,000 for each violation.
- Providing false notifications and reports: KSh 100,000 for each instance.
- Failure to implement EPRA’s directives/recommendations: KSh 100,000 for each violation.
- Failure to appoint a responsible person: KSh 5,000 daily.
- Failure to investigate an accident: KSh 5,000 daily for 30 days.
Simultaneously, EPRA has proposed new regulations to control electricity generation by both individuals and businesses.
Violations related to the production, distribution, and retail supply of electricity could lead to fines for both individuals and businesses. The regulator aims to establish a comprehensive framework for overseeing the production, transmission, distribution, retail supply, and import/export of electrical energy in Kenya.
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Kenyans Face Heavy Fines Under Proposed EPRA Electrical Safety Rules
