POTENTIAL FOR SAVING ELECTRIC ENERGY IN KENYAN UNIVERSITIES USING TECHNOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The nature of daily activities in Kenyan universities means that electric energy consumption constitutes a big percentage of their budgets. This study sought to determine the potential for saving electric energy in Kenyan universities. Specifically, the study sought to: determine the amount of electric energy that would be saved by applying the available electric energy saving technologies; find out the electric energy wasted through unauthorised electric loads; determine the electric energy that would be saved through the use of alternative electric energy sources; and establish the level of awareness of electric energy saving techniques of end-users in universities in Kenya. The study employed the parallel mixed method research design. Pragmatism philosophy was adopted and a survey research strategy was used. Questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist were used in collection of data. Collected data from questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics and were done with the help of the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) computer program. The data obtained from the observation check-list were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel computer program. The findings revealed that: 82% of electric energy could be saved by replacing all the T8 linear fluorescent lamps with the T8 LED lamps where daylight sensors are also installed in university buildings; 61% of electric energy was being wasted through unauthorized loads; End-users had not been made aware of electric energy saving measures; Policy on energy saving that could guide the users was not clearly spelt out; Universities did not make use of green electric energy sources for heating and lighting; 29% of electric energy could be saved by replacing the existing power equipment with electric energy efficient types. Arising from these findings, the study concluded that there was electric energy saving potential at universities in Kenya that needed to be exploited so as to reduce the budget on electricity bills. The recommendations made were that the universities should: Replace all the linear T8 fluorescent lamps with T8 LED lamps and at the same time install daylight sensors; Replace the inefficient electric power equipment and appliances with energy efficient types; Use green energy sources for cooking; Implement training and education strategy on energy saving techniques for all end-users; and Install solar panels for heating and electricity production.