Activist complains to EPRA over 'unfair' tokens charges

Nakuru civil rights activist Laban Omusundi has written a complaint to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) over the alleged unjust charging of electricity users.

In his letter, Omusundi said EPRA unfairly levies electricity users extra charges for its failed token system that delays token message deliveries.

Addressing the Director General of EPRA, Omusundi terms as illegal the Sh10 charge per dial when consumers attempt to access their tokens via the USSD Code *977#.

He acknowledged that the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) had rolled out the code as an alternative when the main delivery systems were delayed.

“The code ensures consumers can retrieve their power token digits in the event of delays via the usual token delivery system,” notes Omusundi.

However, he claims that the alternative comes with the extra Sh10 charge per dial, an expense unjustly borne by consumers despite delays and system failures being KPLC’s responsibility.

Omusundi raises concerns about why consumers should pay for the system’s failure, which is not of their making.

He queries EPRA on who benefits from the millions of shillings collected daily from the consumers.

“Has EPRA approved this cost transfer to the consumer, and if so, under what regulatory framework?” queries Omusundi.

The popular Nakuru activist states that he had sought clarifications from KPLC in Nakuru and Nairobi and had raised the matter with EPRA, but to no avail.

He wants EPRA, a regulatory authority mandated to protect consumers from exploitative practices, to investigate and disclose the legality and beneficiaries of the Sh10.

“EPRA should immediately halt the continued imposition of the unfair charge on consumers,” he deposes.

Alternatively, Omusundi says he intends to seek legal intervention to protect consumer rights as guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya and the Energy Act if his letter is not responded to within 21 days.

In a brief response, EPRA informed Omusundi through an e-mail that they will inform him on the progress of their investigations.

“We have received your letter. We will let you know about the progress,” read the brief response.