By Joe Akwarandu
The Abia State 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.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, “This move is aimed at supporting the expansion of reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity access across underserved and un-served communities in the state my”.
Speaking on Monday after the weekly executive council meeting chaired by the Governor, emphasized that “This initiative aligns with the broader vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, to enhance rural electrification through private sector participation and enabling regulatory certainty for mini-grid development.”
The draft regulation outlines a comprehensive legal, technical, and commercial framework for mini-grid operations, which is a vital step towards creating a transparent and enabling environment for decentralized energy systems in the state.
“When fully operational, this initiative is expected to benefit the modern part of the state, particularly which appears in the South, although it will be implemented statewide,” Kanu said.
The Commissioner further highlighted that this initiative will not downplay the essence of providing electricity access to other parts of the state.
In addition to the mini-grid regulation, the state government has announced several other key initiatives.
A 10-man Abia Advisory Council on Electricity will be inaugurated on July 24, 2025, to render professional advice to the Governor on power and electricity issues.
This council forms one of the strategic steps taken by the state government to improve the power sector.
Moreover, the Okwuiyi Water Scheme project, located in Isiseke, Ibeku, Umuahia, is set to be commissioned on July 23, in line with the Governor’s promise to provide potable water for every household in the state.
