Feeling the Heat of Hot Water Consumption

By Caroline Katisya, LL.B (UON), LL.M Energy Law and Policy (University of Dundee), CPS (K)

Energy Solar Water Heating Regulations

If you are the owner of a restaurant, hotel, laundry, health centre, educational institution, residence or business premises consuming more than 100 litres of hot water per day then you may need to acquaint yourself with the Energy Solar Water Heating Regulations 2012. These regulations required the owners or occupiers of premises consuming more than 100 litres of hot water a day to install a solar water heating system in their premises before 25^th May, 2017. This deadline has been extended for six months.

The objective of these regulations is to promote renewable energy use and to reduce the strain on the national grid which is highly dependent on hydropower and diesel generators. The goal is to have 60% of energy used in heating water provided by solar with the overall power bill reduced since solar energy in the long run is cheaper.

Also, it makes premises environmentally friendly which is the social responsibility of all good corporate citizens. Finally, one may also benefit from the Clean Development Mechanism financing if the installation of solar heating equipment is compliant and a registerable project. KCB and Housing Finance have financing facilities for the equipment.

If you already have renewable energy connected or it is not technically feasible to install, apply to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for an exemption before the new deadline. The exemption application must be in the stipulated form and confirmed by a technical expert.

The regulations were passed in May 2012 and a five year grace period was provided to existing premises which expired this May. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to one million shillings and or imprisonment for up to one year in jail. The ERC has powers to inspect premises to ensure compliance with the regulations. One may even be disconnected from the national grid. The regulations have set certain assumptions which will form the basis of their assessment. All premises must attain 60% of their hot water demand from solar.

Consequently, the following assumptions of hot water requirements will be made:

Hot Water Demand Calculations

Conclusion

All new buildings must comply with these requirements as well. Ensure that the equipment is KEBS certified and that the installer of the equipment is licensed by ERC. Visit the ERC website and contact their renewable energy department for more information.