The Abia government has issued a final mini-grid regulation aimed at expanding electricity access in unserved and underserved communities.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council Meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Mr Kanu said that the regulation aligned with the State Government’s vision for rural electrification through private sector involvement.

“This is a vital step towards building a transparent and enabling environment for decentralised energy systems in the state,” he said.

He stated that the policy provides legal, technical, and commercial guidance for operators and will support the sustainable and affordable expansion of energy across Abia.

According to the commissioner, the northern part of the state currently appears underserved and will benefit immensely from the initiative.

He stated that a 10-member Abia Electricity Advisory Council would be inaugurated to advise the governor on electricity matters, aiming to boost power reforms.

Additionally, the commissioner for power and public utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, stated that mini-grids are targeted at areas without existing electricity.

“We are not looking at where there is already electricity. We are looking at where there is no electricity at all. That is unserved. We want private investors to come in. Government cannot do it alone. Communities will also be involved, and licensed developers will provide power,” Mr Monday said.

He also said that initial mapping had begun, and feasibility studies would soon follow to identify priority locations across all regions. He said that the government’s renewable energy initiative would not be the usual installation of solar panels on rooftops but would focus on providing power to entire communities.

According to Ukoha Njoku, the chief press secretary to the governor, mini-grids offer flexible solutions for specific clusters, such as cottage industries and developing neighborhoods.

“Mini-grids are miniature electricity systems that serve a cluster based on its needs, and they do not replace the main grid but offer an alternative. Forward-planning is necessary for development because if you project 2,000 megawatts today, tomorrow it can be 5,000, and that is why we must plan for expansion,” Mr Njoku said.

(NAN)