See what your peak kVA demand costs and how much you would save by reducing peak load.
▶Explain kVA Demand — What is it and why does KPLC charge for it?
What Is kVA Demand? (Explained Simply)
KPLC doesn't just charge you for how much energy you use (kWh). They also charge you for the peak power you draw from the grid at any point during the month. That's kVA demand.
kW — What You Use
The actual power doing useful work — running motors, lights, machines. You pay for this as kWh energy charges.
Energy (kWh)
kVA — What KPLC Supplies
The total power KPLC must deliver to you — real power (kW) + reactive power (kVAR). KPLC's infrastructure must be sized for this.
Peak Demand
Demand Charge — What You Pay
KPLC charges you per kVA of peak demand recorded during the billing cycle. Higher peak = higher charge. The peak is the highest reading in any 15-minute interval during that billing cycle.
KES/kVA
Why KPLC Charges for Peak Demand (kVA)
KPLC must size their transformers, cables, and switchgear to handle the highest power you draw at any instant — even if that peak lasts only 15 minutes.
A higher kVA peak means KPLC needs bigger infrastructure dedicated to your supply. The demand charge recovers that cost.
Think of it like a highway: KPLC must build enough lanes for rush hour traffic, even if the road is empty most of the day.
How to Reduce Your Peak Demand
Stagger Machine Startup
Don't start all heavy machines at once. Sequence them 5 minutes apart to reduce the combined peak.
Improve Power Factor
A capacitor bank supplies reactive power locally, reducing the kVA drawn from KPLC. Lower kVA = lower demand charge.
kW — kWh Energy Charges kVA — Demand Charges
KVA Demand Cost Calculator
See what your peak kVA demand costs and potential savings from peak reduction.
Fetch Your Latest Demand Data
Technolectric retrieves your KPLC demand data using your meter number to auto-fill all calculator fields. We are not affiliated with Kenya Power. Your data is not stored.
See what your peak kVA demand costs and savings from staggering machine startup.
Get Free Expert Advice on Your Demand
We'll analyse your baseload to identify which machines are driving your peak — and show you exactly how much you'd save by staggering startup sequences.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
Use the result above as a starting point, then book a free 20-minute review with us. We'll look at your actual KPLC bills and tell you exactly what to fix and in what order — no charge, no obligation.
