Electricity consumption in learning institutions: The case of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)

Abstract

Learning institutions consume a significant portion of the total tertiary electricity and hence could contribute to energy saving in Kenya if the right energy saving measures are put in place. For evidence-based design of such policies, it is important to understand the reasons behind the dynamics of the electricity consumption and its structure. According to the researcher's investigation, there has neither been a research-focused targeted project aimed at monitoring electrical energy consumption nor an economical level of per capita consumption in learning institutions in Kenya The main purpose of this survey was to determine overall energy consumption in learning institutions, a case study of KMTC and to explore modalities of ensuring reduced energy consumption for such institutions. The research focused on five campuses as a representative of all the 30 campuses. Results from this study show that the five sampled institutions consumed a total of 2,158,799 KWh which cost the college approximately KSh. 35,836,063. The total number of students in the sample population was 7130 giving a per capita consumption of electrical energy of 302.78 KWh/student. To reduce the per capita consumption in KMTC, the study examined various energy saving modalities which include design and implementation of a micro controller based power monitoring system. The monitoring system was constructed using a single chip MC68HC908 micro controller to control the switch ON/OFF of lights depending on the level of illumination in the room. Approximately 27.7% power savings in electricity consumption was achieved by the use of this system. The study also experimented on the use of high efficiency lights instead of the conventional ones. Results showed that 6% energy saving was achieved. Other energy saving opportunities were explored in the study and recommendations presented.