Delta unveils mini-grid electricity model, sets up regulatory bodies
As the Abia State government, in its efforts for sustainable electric power supply across the state, has unveiled a Mini-Grid Regulation to boost rural electrification, Nigeria’s electricity crisis has been linked to historical failure to expand the infrastructure in line with population and industrial growth.

The Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, who spoke to journalists after the state weekly executive council meeting held yesterday, hinged part of the solution on future-focused planning to ensure that available capacity always exceeds the demand to ensure consistent power for households and industries as the state develops.

He announced the release of the final draft of the state’s mini-grid power regulation as part of efforts to improve access to reliable electricity across the state, boost rural electrification, and provide a clear regulatory framework that would attract investors.

SIMILARLY, the Delta State Government has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming its electricity sector through the adoption of a decentralised mini-grid model, supported by newly established regulatory bodies to ensure a sustainable and efficient power supply system.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, during a post-Executive Council (EXCO) press briefing in Asaba. He described the move as a major stride under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which emphasises infrastructure development and improved service delivery across the state.

Ekedayen recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly had previously domesticated the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act, creating a legal framework for the state to independently generate, distribute, and regulate electricity.

“With the passage of that law, we now have a clear pathway toward providing a reliable and steady electricity supply to Deltans at competitive prices,” he said. “This latest EXCO approval marks another major milestone in our journey.”

According to him, the adopted mini-grid model will enable multiple independent operators to provide electricity services in designated zones across the state. This decentralised system contrasts with the traditional centralised grid, which often suffers widespread outages due to faults at single points in the network.