Kenya: EPRA Develops Mini-Grid Regulations to Scale up Nationwide Access to Electricity

Posted on : Monday , 19th July 2021

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority through a statement said the process will assist in spurring investment in mini-grids in the country, to boost electrification in underserved areas distant from the main-grid.

 

The authority said it will conduct a nationwide sensitization and consultative sessions before the next stages of validation.

 

The 1st forum was held in Garissa town, and thereafter in Lodwar, Mombasa, and later in Nairobi.

 

According to The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Regulations support the national aspiration of realizing universal access to electricity by year 2022 as envisioned in the Kenya National Electrification Strategy launched in the year 2018.

 

The draft Regulations were developed within provisions of the provisions of Energy Act, 2019 and are meant to h integrate the mini-grid approval requirements by the National Government, County Governments, and relevant regulatory bodies; provide for mini-grid tariff approvals; provide a clear and competitive process for mini-grids licensing and interconnection to the main grid.

 

“An Impact Study of the current mini-grids regulatory framework revealed that the framework does not directly address mini-grid development in the country. It is against this backdrop, and an expanded interest in mini-grid development by key players, that EPRA developed the draft mini-grid regulations,” said Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, EPRA Director General.

 

Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria also noted that there is a need to toughen the weak areas of the Regulations through consultation and concurrence amongst sector players.

 

“Deployment of mini-grids requires a powerful policy and regulatory framework which encompass input from all key stakeholders. We therefore look forward to receiving your views and feedback on the draft Regulations,” Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria added.

 

The Regulations are expected to encourage the development of mini grids in rural Kenya therefore providing a cleaner and cheaper energy alternative to the commonly used energy supplies such as batteries and kerosene lambs.

 

Further, mini grids provide more opportunities for businesses that rely on electricity, stimulating rural economic development.