Why 2026 Electricity Hikes Will Hit Businesses Hardest – Switch to Commercial Solar Now

In Kenya, electricity costs have long been a challenge for businesses, and the outlook for 2026 is set to make things even tougher. Recent directives from Parliament and ongoing tariff reviews by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) point to significant increases starting July 2026. These hikes, aimed at helping Kenya Power recover costs from rural electrification projects, will add pass-through expenses to base tariffs, pushing up the price per unit for all consumers.While households will feel the pinch, businesses will be hit hardest. Commercial and industrial users consume far more electricity than residential customers—often running machinery, lighting, refrigeration, and air conditioning around the clock. Higher tariffs directly inflate operational costs, erode profit margins, and make Kenyan products less competitive regionally. In an economy already grappling with inflation and high energy prices, these increases could deter investment, slow growth, and force some enterprises to scale back or relocate.But there’s a smart, proactive solution: switching to commercial solar power. With Kenya’s abundant sunshine and falling solar installation costs, going solar isn’t just environmentally responsible—it’s a financial game-changer that shields your business from grid price volatility.Why Businesses Face the Biggest Impact from 2026 Hikes

• Higher Consumption Means Higher Bills: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in categories like Small Commercial or Commercial 1-3 already pay rates around KSh 13-20 per unit (depending on load and time-of-use). A base tariff increase, combined with variable charges like fuel costs and forex adjustments, could add thousands—or even tens of thousands—to monthly bills for factories, shops, hotels, and offices.
• No Subsidies for Commercial Users: Unlike low-usage domestic lifeline tariffs, businesses pay full commercial rates with no protective bands. Past reviews have often favored industries with slight reductions, but the upcoming pass-through for rural projects will affect everyone.
• Operational Disruptions and Competitiveness: Unreliable grid supply and rising costs force many businesses to rely on expensive diesel generators. In 2026, with potential hikes, electricity could eat into 20-40% of operating expenses for energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing and agribusiness.

The time to act is now—before the new tariffs kick in.The Power of Commercial Solar: Lock in Savings TodaySwitching to commercial solar allows businesses to generate their own clean, reliable power and dramatically cut—or even eliminate—grid dependency. Here’s why it’s the ideal move for 2026:

• Massive Cost Savings: Solar systems pay for themselves in 4-7 years through reduced bills. After that, energy is essentially free for 25+ years. With grid hikes looming, your ROI accelerates even faster.
• Energy Independence: Hybrid systems with batteries ensure uninterrupted power, eliminating downtime from outages or load shedding.
• Government Incentives: Enjoy zero or reduced import duties on solar equipment, VAT exemptions, and net metering—feed excess power back to the grid for credits.
• Sustainability Edge: Reduce your carbon footprint, meet ESG goals, and appeal to eco-conscious customers and investors.

In areas like Thika, along the Thika-Garissa Highway, Ruiru, and Kamakis—industrial hubs with high energy demands and excellent solar irradiation—commercial solar is thriving. Factories, warehouses, and commercial buildings here are already reaping the benefits of lower overheads and stable energy costs.Partner with Globus Solar for Your Commercial Solar SolutionAt Globus Solar, we specialize in tailored commercial solar installations for businesses in Thika, Ruiru, Kamakis, and along the Thika-Garissa Highway. Our expert team handles everything: site assessment, system design, financing options, installation, and maintenance.Whether you’re a manufacturing plant, retail outlet, hotel, or office park, we deliver high-efficiency systems that maximize savings and reliability. Don’t wait for 2026 hikes to squeeze your bottom line—switch to solar now and future-proof your business.Contact Globus Solar today for a free consultation and quote. Let’s harness the sun to power your success!