Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-18 16:01:00
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) recently announced new measures aimed at reducing electricity-related accidents in Kenya. These measures, outlined in the Energy (Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting) Regulations 2024, are designed to increase awareness of incidents and ensure accountability for those responsible.
According to EPRA, the growing number of connections to the grid and investments in the electricity sector necessitate a proactive approach to safety. The regulations will incentivize all licensees involved in importing, exporting, generating, transmitting, distributing, and supplying electrical energy in the country to invest in preventive measures and employee training to enhance safety standards and mitigate risks.
One key element of the proposed regulations is the requirement for all licensees to report any incidents within 48 hours or face penalties. Additionally, EPRA is proposing that licensees must have insurance coverage for liability incurred due to safety incidents to address the issue of compensation and post-accident response.
To ensure transparency and access to information, licensees will be mandated to publish standard procedures for raising claims on their websites. This will provide relief to accident and incident victims as guided by the regulations.
EPRA also plans to establish an end-to-end mechanism for collecting information and reports to identify and address potential hazards before they escalate into more significant threats. This will involve improving safety practices and infrastructure maintenance to deal with both common and emerging causes of accidents.
In addition, EPRA will set up an online system to streamline the reporting of incidents by licensees. The Authority is urging stakeholders in the sector to accept and endorse the implementation of these regulations, emphasizing that they are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all Kenyans.
By implementing these measures, EPRA aims to create a safer environment in the electricity sector and minimize the occurrence of accidents. It is hoped that the regulations will encourage a culture of safety and accountability among all stakeholders involved in the generation and distribution of electrical energy in Kenya.
In conclusion, EPRA’s proactive approach to safety through the Energy (Electricity Incident and Accident Reporting) Regulations 2024 is a significant step towards reducing electricity-related accidents and ensuring the well-being of Kenyan citizens. The Authority is committed to working with all stakeholders to improve safety standards in the sector and prevent accidents before they happen.
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