Abia Government Releases Mini-Grid Regulation to Boost Rural Electrification

The Abia State Government has released the final draft of its mini-grid regulation, a key policy initiative designed to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia following Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the regulation aligns with the state’s vision of achieving broad-based rural electrification through increased private sector participation. He described the move as a major step toward creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment for decentralized energy solutions.

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

Kanu explained that the regulation offers legal, technical, and commercial guidance for mini-grid operators and developers, thereby supporting the sustainable and affordable expansion of energy across Abia.

He noted that the northern part of the state, which remains largely underserved, stands to benefit significantly from the initiative.

To further drive reforms in the state’s electricity sector, the commissioner announced that a 10-member Abia Electricity Advisory Council would soon be inaugurated. The council will advise the governor on key electricity matters and support policy formulation and implementation.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, emphasized that the mini-grid initiative specifically targets areas that are currently not connected to the national electricity grid.

“We are not looking at where there is already electricity,” he clarified. “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.”

Monday further stated that communities will play an active role in the process, while licensed developers will be responsible for delivering power to these localities. He added that initial mapping has already begun, with feasibility studies to follow, aimed at identifying priority areas across all regions of the state.

Unlike conventional rooftop solar installations, Monday explained that the government’s approach under the renewable energy initiative would focus on providing reliable electricity to entire communities through structured mini-grid systems.

Also addressing the media, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku, highlighted the flexibility and scalability of mini-grids, which he said are designed to serve specific clusters such as cottage industries and developing neighborhoods.

“Mini-grids are miniature electricity systems that serve a cluster based on its needs. They do not replace the main grid but offer an effective alternative,” Njoku said.

He emphasized the need for long-term energy planning, noting that electricity demand is expected to rise significantly in the near future.

“If you project 2,000 megawatts today, tomorrow it could be 5,000. That is why we must plan for expansion,” he added.

The initiative has been widely praised as a forward-thinking step that could transform Abia’s rural economy, improve the standard of living, and attract investments in off-grid power solutions.