Slight reduction in Q4 power tariffs

Electricity consumers will pay less for power in the last three months of 2017, according to a tariff schedule released by the regulator.

The schedule shows that electricity in the quarter will cost 1.83% less than the year’s base tariff on a weighted average basis, due to a stronger shilling and weaker global fuel prices.

Domestic consumers will pay Shs685.6 per unit, which is 1.6% less than the base tariff. Compared to the unit cost in the third quarter, which was Shs686, domestic users will be charged 0.06% less for a unit of electricity.

The retail tariff for commercial consumers was set at Shs619.1, 1.6% and 0.13% less compared to the base tariff and the third quarter tariff, respectively.

The tariff for large industries and extra large industries is to drop by 2.2% to Shs368.1 and Shs364.6 respectively from the base tariff. Compared to the previous quarter, large industries will pay 0.24% less for each unit while extra large industries are to be charged 0.33% less.

The tariff for medium industrial consumers dropped 1.7% relative to the base period to Shs568, and that of street lighting by 1.5% to Shs669.5.

The tariffs and other charges – the costs of purchasing power from generators, plus distribution and retail supply costs – are used by Umeme to determine customers’ bills.