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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Wednesday signed into use the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation framework, which is a document expected to open and unleash private sector-driven investment in the Abia State Electricity Generation and Distribution to the unserved and underserved communities across the State.
While signing the memorandum of understanding at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the event is the climax of several months of planning, stakeholder engagements, confidence building, ideation, and reviews by policy experts, investors, and energy consumers.
A post on Thursday morning by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, added that the Governor while signing the MoU on Wednesday, explained that, Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory Framework provides unambiguous answers to technical and commercial questions from investors and consumers alike, defining the rights and obligations of stakeholders, and offers pathways to speedy resolution of disputes.
“We have gathered this afternoon to collectively adopt a new framework that would not only expand our options in the push for reliable electricity for everyone, but would ultimately serve as a catalyst for the industrialisation of Abia and economic fulfilment for millions of individuals.
“The formal adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework marks the dawn of a new era for households and businesses.
“The formalisation and adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory architecture is also hinged on the new legal framework, which empowers States, private investors, and institutions to invest in the electricity value-chain to extend access to millions of persons, especially in underserved and unserved communities, ” Gov. Otti stated.
Otti appreciated the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for their support and commitment to the successful delivery of the project, while announcing to the overseas partners of Abia State Government, that the initiative is closely aligned to the State’s common pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, adding that ISA, has proven to be a reliable partner.
The Governor assured members of the international community that his administration is in sync with the global demands for higher volumes of investments in the renewable energy space.
In his address, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, described the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation Framework as a policy document that sets a solid foundation to unlock access to electricity for unserved and underserved communities in line with the statewide energy development program of the State Government.
He added that with the regulation, the State has become one of the first sub-national Governments in the country to formally establish a clear, legal and institutional framework for mini-grid development, a development that sends a strong signal to investors, developers and citizens that Abia is open for energy innovations.
The representative of International Solar Alliance (ISA), Ms. Onyi Iyizoba while presenting the mini-grid regulations, stated that the event marks a significant milestone for Abia State and Nigeria’s broader energy access and transition efforts, noting that the commitment shown by the State Government in creating an enabling framework for the Mini-Grid, is a testament to the strong dedication of Governor Otti to improving energy access and security.
She expressed hope that the mini-grid regulations will unlock new Investments, enhance rural electrification, and enhance the quality of life and businesses for countless residents across the State.
Presenting key aspects of the Mini-Grid, Mr Joanis Holzigel, noted that Abia is the first to adopt a mini-grid regulation framework, added that the new framework guarantees registration and permitting procedures and timelines, tariff settings and review process, considers community engagement, and promotes rural industrialisation.
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