The Abia state government’s Ministry of Power and Public Utilities launched a mini-grid regulatory framework, aligning with its efforts to roll out reforms in the State’s power sector.
Officials familiar with the matter said the regulatory framework contains a comprehensive strategy to attract investors and facilitate rural electrification in the State.
Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, disclosed the development to reporters in Umuahia after the State’s Executive Council Meeting, Chaired by Governor Alex Otti. The Otti administration maintains its stand on reforming the Abia state power sector, providing electricity for rural areas, and attracting significant investment.
The Rural Electrification Project
The commissioner stated that the regulatory framework aligns with the broader vision of the Alex Otti administration, which is to facilitate and distribute electricity to rural areas through private sector partnerships and enable regulatory certainty.
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Kanu explained further that the draft contains a legal, technical, and commercial framework for mini-grid operators, ensuring an effective dispensation of power in affected areas. He stated that the initiative is welcome and would help build a transparent and enabling environment for the State’s energy systems.
Given its long record of poor power distribution and neglect, the Abia North Senatorial zone will benefit the most from the mini-grid.
10-man Advisory Council
Commissioner Kanu disclosed that the Abia state government plans to set up a 10-man advisory council on electricity to serve as the governor’s handymen in issues about electricity supply in the State.
He also disclosed that the state government has donated a 1,000KVA transformer to the Niger Street/Methodist axis through the Ikwuleghe/CPS community in Umuahia.
Ikechukwu Monday, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, chipped that the mini grid regulation differs from the State’s ongoing negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company oversees the power generation of the five southeastern states.
