Delta State has taken a bold step toward transforming its electricity sector with the adoption of a decentralized mini-grid model and the establishment of new regulatory bodies to drive a sustainable power market.
Speaking during a post-executive council (exco) press briefing in Asaba, Tuesday, Sonny Ekedayen, commissioner for Economic Planning, said the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure and improved service delivery across the state.
He recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly had earlier domesticated the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act, thus providing the legislative foundation for the state to chart its own course in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation.
“With the passage of that law, we now have a clear pathway toward providing reliable and steady electricity supply to Deltans at competitive prices. This latest exco approval marks another major milestone in our journey.”
According to the Commissioner, the state government had adopted a mini-grid model that will allow multiple independent operators to provide end-to-end electricity services in various locations across the state.
He explained that the approach differs significantly from the conventional centralized grid, which often leaves entire regions in darkness when there is a failure at a single point in the system.
“With the mini-grid approach, if an outage occurs in one part of the state, it won’t affect other areas. Each operator is responsible for generation, distribution, and supply within their designated zones, which enhances resilience and reliability,” he explained.
He noted that the model also allows service providers to propose energy solutions based on the most viable energy mix for their area.
While conventional gas-powered sources remain an option, operators can also explore renewable energy alternatives such as solar and hydro power.
Ekedayen emphasized that the entire electricity reform would be privately funded, with the state government providing only the regulatory framework and the enabling environment.
“This is a private sector-driven initiative. Our role is to set the rules, ensure fairness, and create the atmosphere for investment and innovation to thrive.”
“To support this framework, the exco approved the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission, which will serve as the central regulatory authority.
“The Commission will be responsible for issuing licences, monitoring compliance, and mediating between operators and consumers.
Meanwhile, Latimore Oghenesivbe, the director-general of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau (DSOCB) has highlighted the benefits of the Delta State Government Electricity Initiatives, assuring of steady urban and rural electricity supply.
According to him, the initiatives would enable businesses to operate efficiently, create more jobs, stimulate economic growth, as well as boost agricultural productivity thereby enhancing food security and economic stability.
He assured that the initiatives would enable healthcare facilities to operate effectively, improve healthcare outcomes and save lives; and in the same token facilitate access to education, enabling students to study and access digital resources, attracts investments, promote entrepreneurship, and diversify the economy.
The DG assured that the state with its rich natural resources and strategic location, has immense economic potential which the new electricity initiatives would unlock to create jobs, improve quality of life of all Deltans.
“Steady electricity supply facilitates Industrialization, promotes economic diversification and development.
“Governor Oborevwori’s electricity initiatives demonstrates his commitment to economic development, and deliberate efforts towards improving citizens’ lives.
“By approving the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission, and the Delta State Rural Electricity Agency, the governor is poised to promoting overall economic growth through reliable power supply
“And in the near future, our urban and rural communities would experience a giant leap in electricity supply that would significantly improve their economic prosperity and social status.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori over his leadership ingenuity, patriotism and selfless service to the State and people.
“We are confident that the governor’s approval for the establishment of the Electricity Commission and Agency would impact positively on the state’s economy, improve living standards of our people, and drive overall development,” the stated.
