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Nairobi cold: Why your electricity bill could rise during chilly weather
11th September, 2026 10:12 AM
Nairobi’s chilly weather has many residents reaching for heavy blankets, warm clothes and cups of hot tea as temperatures dip.
But while you are trying to stay warm, your electricity bill could also be feeling the effects of the cold.
From longer hot showers to more cups of tea and increased use of heating appliances, the way you respond to chilly weather can affect how much electricity you use at home.
Why the electricity bill could rise
It is important to note that chilly weather alone does not increase an electricity bill. However, the cold can change how people use electricity at home, with some households turning to appliances and activities that consume more power.
For instance, a cold Nairobi morning may mean taking a longer hot shower, while chilly nights could see residents using electric blankets or heaters to stay warm.
Electric heaters can be particularly useful when temperatures drop, but running them for several hours can increase electricity consumption. The same applies to electric blankets and other heating appliances when they are used more frequently.
Cold weather can also lead to increased use of electric showers and water heaters. A warm shower can feel especially appealing on a chilly morning, but taking longer showers or heating more water can push up electricity use.
The kitchen can also become busier during cold weather. Instead of reaching for cold drinks, many people may prepare more tea, coffee, porridge or soup to keep warm. Using electric kettles, microwaves and cookers more frequently can gradually add to household consumption.
Additionally, chilly weather may also encourage people to spend more time indoors, leading to longer use of televisions, computers and other household appliances. While individual devices may not consume a significant amount of electricity, increased usage throughout the day can contribute to overall consumption.
How to reduce electricity use
Staying warm during Nairobi’s cold weather does not necessarily mean using more electricity.
Households can switch off heaters and other appliances when they are not needed and avoid leaving water heaters running unnecessarily. Taking shorter hot showers where possible can also help reduce electricity consumption.
Using warm clothing, blankets and other non-electric ways of keeping warm can further reduce reliance on heating appliances.
Ultimately, it is not the cold itself that raises an electricity bill. It is the increase in electricity use that can come with trying to stay warm and comfortable.
