Watts Up Magazine wattsup magazine online | Page 3

CHIEF ENERGISING DESK
THE
CHANGE
IS ON
The energy sector is dealing with a complex
mix of relationships between consumer
trends, global commodity markets, state,
county and industry regulation. Many
players are waiting for the yet to be enacted
energy bill 2016 that will have far more
reaching effect for established firms. KENGEN
anticipates selling directly to large consumers
and KETRACO to charge wheeling charges.
Improved access rate of four million new
electricity connections in the last four years
should have multiplier effect to the economy.
The energy players that are prepared for the
disruptions will survive and flourish while
those that cling to traditional structures will
struggle.
The thermal generation plants will have a
long discussion with the government as more
renewable sources come in. The Energy Bill
will have consequences at the upstream and
downstream of the oil and gas market which
is still grappling with community related
issues and the sale of counterfeit products.
The sharing of the potential oil revenue
is generating a lot of heat that needs to
be addressed soberly. The sole energy
distribution company need to wrestle with
the technological disruption that is looming
from decentralized, distributed generation
from solar panels, batteries and peer-to-peer
energy transactions.
I wish to congratulate the participants,
speakers and winners of the Women in
Energy conference 2016 for re-energizing this
conversation, showing opportunities and
addressing how to narrow this gender gap.
The partnership of Ministry of Energy, KEPSA
and Strathmore Energy Center to address the
challenges and narrowing of the Gender gap
was commendable.
Wishing our readers, a happy Easter and
peaceful electioneering period.
James Ngomeli