Abia Releases Draft Mini-grid Regulation to Boost Access to Power

Abia State Government has taken a significant step in boosting ongoing reforms in the power sector by releasing a final draft of the state’s mini-grid regulation.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the weekly executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

The regulation will support the expansion of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity access across underserved and unserved communities in the state.

A Cross section of journalists at the Exco briefing

Kanu noted that the move aligns with the broader vision of the state government to enhance rural electrification through private sector participation and enabling regulatory certainty for mini-grid 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.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Governor will inaugurate a 10-man Abia Advisory Council on Electricity on Thursday to render professional advice on power and electricity issues.

He added that the state government has also demonstrated its commitment to ensuring regular power supply by donating a 1,000 kVA transformer to Niger Street, Okwulehie/CPS, all in Umuahia.

Lending his voice, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities pointed out that the government is creating a regulation that will encourage private investors to build mini-grids to ensure that residents have access to electricity.