Want More Electricity Tokens for the Same Money? Here’s How

Why does your neighbour get more electricity tokens than you even though you both pay the same amount? For many Kenyans, this mystery has sparked endless frustration. But Kenya Power says the real culprit isn’t favouritism; it’s your own power consumption history silently pushing you into a higher tariff.

How Kenya Power Classifies Customers

Kenya Power sorts all prepaid customers into three main tariff categories based on average monthly usage. These classifications are not fixed, your tariff automatically changes if your consumption increases or decreases over a period of three consecutive months.

The categories include:

• Lifeline Tariff – for customers using 0 to 30 units per month.

• Domestic Ordinary 1 (DO-1) – for households consuming 31 to 100 units monthly.

• Domestic Ordinary 2 (DO-2) – for homes consistently using over 100 units per month.

If your consumption crosses your current tariff’s threshold for three straight months, the system automatically shifts you upward. Kenya Power explains that this reclassification directly impacts how many tokens you receive for the same amount of money.

“Kenya Power categorises customers into different tariffs based on monthly consumption patterns after three consecutive months, through automatic reclassification of tariffs. For example, if a customer consumes more than 30 units for three months in a row, they are reclassified from the Lifeline Tariff to DO-1. The higher the tariff, the fewer tokens one gets for the same amount of money,” the company clarified.

This means two households can each pay KSh1,000, yet the one placed in a higher tariff bracket will receive fewer tokens simply because they have a history of higher usage.

How to Stay Within a Lower Tariff and Get More Tokens

If you want to maximize your tokens, you need to maintain lower monthly consumption so you remain in a cheaper tariff band. Kenya Power highlights several practical steps:

1. Switch off appliances not in use

Water heaters, irons, microwaves, lights, and TVs continue drawing power when left on or plugged in. Turning them off reduces unnecessary load.

2. Use energy-saving bulbs and appliances

LED bulbs and other energy-efficient devices significantly cut consumption compared to older, power-hungry options.

3. Reduce daytime lighting

Leverage natural light as much as possible. A single bulb left on daily for long hours can push you into a higher tariff bracket.

4. Ensure proper wiring and earthing

Faulty wiring causes leakages that silently inflate your usage. Regular inspections can help prevent excess consumption.

5. Monitor your meter weekly

Tracking your consumption helps you detect unusual spikes early, giving you time to adjust before crossing into a higher tariff.

Kenya Power urges customers to monitor their usage and seek clarification through official channels. With better energy habits, households can remain in lower tariffs and receive more tokens for the same amount spent.

The post Want More Electricity Tokens for the Same Money? Here’s How appeared first on Nairobi Wire.