The tariff rates of the state-owned electric company STELCO are set at Rf 1.5 (USD 0.10) per kWh for 0-100 kWh per month for the lowest rate, and peak at Rf 4.25 (USD 0.27) per KWh if the monthly consumption exceeds 600 kWh (STELCO, 2016). The reform set specific (and increasing) prices per each block (quantity) of consumed electricity per household and meter. Under this new system, tier one keeps the old quota price (applicable to 89 per cent of households), tier two electricity prices are slightly higher and charged for kWhs exceeding the amount of basic use, which is differentiated across regions, and tier three sets a much higher tariff for the amount of electricity referred to as luxury use (Zhang, 2014). The new pricing system was implemented in response to growing energy security and environmental concerns, to improve efficiency and lower pollution while maintaining affordable consumer prices.