A renewable energy initiative project of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, (Power), to provide affordable and reliable access to electricity to rural dwellers through solar powered system has recorded a huge success as two communities in Kaduna state namely – Gnami and Pakau enjoy 2 years of uninterrupted solar power supply.
The Permanent Secretary, Power, Mr. Louis Edozien, who was represented by the Ag. Director, Renewable Energy in the Ministry, Engr. Farauk Yabo said the project is in line with the Administration’s drive to providing access to electricity to rural communities that may not in the distant future have access to electricity because they are far flung from the grid.
He made the disclosure recently in Kaduna State when delegates from ECOWAS member state visited the dual communities to mark the end of the week long Regional Training Workshop on Improvement of Policy and Regulatory Framework for Clean Energy Mini-Grids and on the Renewable Energy Tariff Tool Box in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary was delighted to note that the 40KW Solar PV Mini-Grid (off-Grid) at Gnami Village consists of generation system (Solar/Battery), Distribution System, house installation system, street light and metering system, currently supplying electricity 24/7 to 100 households.
He further disclosed that the 50KW solar PV Renewable Energy Micro Utility (REMU) at Pakau Community electrifies about 300 households, which operate on a mobile electronic payment system with provision for at least ten business/commercial customers, stressing that the wireless pay system which every house is numbered on, creates transparency and openness.
Speaking on behalf of the end users of the facilities, the village head of Gnami Community, Mr. Ibrahim Yerima expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of power, Works and Housing (Power Sector), and assured the delegates that the facilities would be well protected and put into proper use.
Etore E. Thomas
DD (Press)
