The Abia State Government, in a strategic step to boost ongoing reforms in the State’s power sector, has released through the State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities a final draft of the State’s mini-grid regulations.
The mini-grid has been developed to support the expansion of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity access across underserved and unserved communities across the State.
Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, stated this while briefing journalists in Government House Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting,g chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
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Kanu said that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Governor Otti for enhanced rural electrification through private sector participation and enabling regulatory settings for mini-grid development.
He noted that when the initiative becomes operational, it would be of much benefit to communities across the State.
He pointed out that those in the Northern part of the State, who appear to be more underserved, would benefit more from the initiative.
“This initiative aligns with the broader vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for enhanced rural electrification through private sector participation and enabling regulatory settings for Minigrid development.
“The draft regulations outline the legal, technical, and commercial framework for Minigrid operations. And this is a vital step towards building a transparent and enabling environment for decentralised energy systems in Abia State,” Kanu stated.
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The Information boss also hinted that a 10-man Abia Advisory Council on Electricity set up to render professional advice to the governor on issues concerning power and electricity in the State would be inaugurated.
Kanu equally noted that the State Government had donated a 1,000 kVA transformer that would serve Niger Street by Bende Road, Methodist by Okwulehie Street through CPS, all in Umuahia.
He said, “The transformer would serve residents in those parts of Umuahia, which is in fulfilment of the state government’s initiative to ensure regular power supply for Abians across the State.”
