Delta govt approves mini-grid electricity model

Delta State has taken a bold step towards transforming its electricity sector with the adoption of a decentralised mini-grid model and the establishment of new regulatory bodies to drive a sustainable power market.

Under the initiative, the state executive council has approved the establishment of the State Electricity Commission, which will serve as the central regulatory authority that will be responsible for issuing licences, monitoring compliance, and mediating between operators and consumers.

Also approved was the establishment of a Rural Electricity Agency, which will focus on delivering electricity to under-served rural communities across the state, ensuring inclusivity and equity in power distribution.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the state executive council meeting in Asaba on Tuesday, said the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure and improved service delivery across the state.

He recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly had earlier domesticated the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act, thus providing the legislative foundation for the state to chart its own course in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation.

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

According to the Commissioner, the state government had adopted a mini-grid model that will allow multiple independent operators to provide end-to-end electricity services in various locations across the state.

He explained that the approach differs significantly from the conventional centralised grid, which often leaves entire regions in darkness when there is a failure at a single point in the system.

“With the mini-grid approach, if an outage occurs in one part of the state, it won’t affect other areas. Each operator is responsible for generation, distribution, and supply within their designated zones, which enhances resilience and reliability”, he explained.

He noted that the model also allows service providers to propose energy solutions based on the most viable energy mix for their area.

While conventional gas-powered sources remain an option, operators can also explore renewable energy alternatives such as solar and hydro power.

Ekedayen emphasised that the entire electricity reform would be privately funded, with the state government providing only the regulatory framework and the enabling environment.

He said: “This is a private sector-driven initiative. Our role is to set the rules, ensure fairness, and create the atmosphere for investment and innovation to thrive.”

The state has also created the role of a System Operator to oversee the technical coordination of generation and supply processes, and a Market Operator who will track supply data, enforce service standards, and ensure that minimum electricity hours are delivered to homes and businesses.

Ekedayen announced that a consultant would also be appointed to help midwife the electricity transition process, providing expert guidance and assisting in the creation of a robust implementation roadmap.

He acknowledged that while electricity market reform was still new territory for many sub-national governments, Delta State remained committed to getting it right. “Only a few states in Nigeria have dared to venture this far,” he said.

He stressed, “But we are determined to deliver not just electricity, but a system that works, one that creates jobs, supports industry, and improves the quality of life for our people.”

The Commissioner added that the journey would be deliberate and methodical to avoid costly mistakes, but always with the people’s best interests at the core of every decision.

He described the latest EXCO approvals as the formal birth of the Delta State electricity market and expressed optimism that the business and manufacturing sectors would welcome the initiative with enthusiasm.

“With this, we are confident that Delta is on course to becoming a model for sub-national electricity transformation in Nigeria,” he concluded.

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