Nairobi, Jan. 12 -- Kenya is banking on three power plants and increased supply from Ethiopia this year to boost its unused electricity capacity, commonly known as the spinning reserves, and avert widespread power rationing amid a fast-rising demand.

The State Department for Energy expects a boost from three geothermal plants in Menengai with a combined generation capacity of 70 megawatts (MW), the country's oldest geothermal plant, whose output has been increased now generate 63MW, and imports from Ethiopia, which are expected to double to 400MW from December this year.

Spinning reserve, also known as contingency reserve, refers to backup power that is available and ready to be dispatched quickly when there's a power outage.

Kenya's s...