Abia Govt Tackles Energy Inadequacy

The Abia State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the State Mini-Grid Regulation framework to encourage private sector investment in electricity generation and distribution.

At the event in the state capital, Umuahia, yesterday, the governor, Alex Otti, said it climaxed  several months of planning, stakeholder engagements, confidence building, and ideation

His words: “The formal adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework marks the dawn of a new era for households and businesses

He assured members of the international community that his administration is in sync with the global demand for higher investment volumes in renewable energy.

In an address on Monday, the commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu, said the move is aimed at unserved and underserved communities across the state.

‎He said, “With the regulation, the state has become one of the first subnational governments in the country to formally establish a clear, legal, and institutional framework for mini-grid development.”

‎Speaking on the framework, the representative of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Onyi Iyizoba, said it marked a significant milestone for the state and the country’s broader energy access and transition efforts.

‎She expressed the hope that the mini-grid regulations will unlock new Investments, accelerate rural electrification, and enhance countless residents’ quality of life and businesses.

‎Presenting its key aspects, Joanis Holzigel said, it guarantees registration and permitting procedures, timelines, tariff settings, reviews process, considers community engagement, and promotes rural industrialisation.