PowerGen, a Nairobi-based renewable energy firm, has sought approval from the Kenyan Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to generate, supply and sell power to more than 100,000 homes in western Kenya using its solar energy micro-grids, All Africa reported.

If granted, it would become the second private company to sell electricity outside Kenya Power, after US-based Powerhive that has more than 1, 500 households in Kisii as clients. “Selling renewable energy to consumers is the direction we are taking,” PowerGen Chief Executive, Sam Slaughter, said on the sidelines of a conference on electricity mini-grids in Nairobi.

Kenya Power has been the sole supplier and seller of power, denying the sector competitiveness. Recently it was reported also by All Africa that it plans  to connect at least 1.5m more Kenyans to the grid  by February 2016. To undertake the task, the company is in partnership with contractors around the country to fast-track the multi-billion project.