Minister of power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has commended the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) through which the Federal Government have successful launch of the guidelines for the interconnecting solar grid distribution network as part of their statutory mandate of enforcing technical standards.
The Minister stated this yesterday during the official launch of the guideline in. Abuja.According to the Minister.
“This occasion represents another significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electricity access, promote renewable energy integration and deepen reforms within the power sector.
The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply, and renewable energy solutions such as solar mini-grids are central to achieving this objective.
Over the years, interconnected solar mini-grids have continued to demonstrate enormous potential in bridging electricity access gaps, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Their growth has been supported by progressive policies, increasing private sector participation and sustained support from development partners.
However, as these systems increasingly interface with existing distribution networks, the need for clear technical, operational and safety requirements becomes even more critical.The Guidelines being launched today provide an important framework for ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient interconnection of solar mini-grids to distribution networks across Nigeria.
They establish clear procedures. echnical standards and responsibilities for stakeholders, while promoting grid stability, power quality, investor confidence and consumer protection.
I commend NEMSA for taking this proactive step in fulfilling its statutory mandate of enforcing technical standards and regulations within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
I also acknowledge the contributions of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, the European Union, the Government of Germany, GIZ and all stakeholders whose collaboration made the development of this document possible.encourage Distribution Companies, mini-grid developers, financiers, technical service providers and all industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the provisions of these Guidelines.
The Federal Ministry of Power remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, private sector participation and sustainable investments in the energy sector.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Power, I congratulate NEMSA.
The Minister said
Earlier, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer. NEMSA, Engr. Adesayo Olusegun Michael, in his welcome address assured the public that this achievement will gurànteed a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
“Is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you all to the official launch of the Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks developed by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) with the technical support of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power.
Today marks another important milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward achieving a safe, reliable, sustainable and inclusive electricity supply industry.
As we all know, access to electricity remains fundamental to economic growth, social development and national prosperity. In this regard, solar mini-grids have emerged as a critical solution for electrifying unserved and underserved communities across the country.
However, as interconnected solar mini-grids continue to expand within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, there is an increasing need for clear technical and operational frameworks to ensure that these systems are integrated safely, efficiently and sustainably into existing distribution networks.
This necessity informed the development of these Guidelines.The Guidelines provide comprehensive procedures, technical requirements, interconnection models and operational standards for integrating solar mini-grids to distribution networks without compromising grid stability, power quality, system reliability and public safety.
They also seek to reduce uncertainties for investors and developers while strengthening collaboration among Distribution Companies, mini-grid developers, regulators .
This Guidelines align with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026, and relevant national and international standards, including IEC standards.
We are confident that this document will significantly enhance investor confidence and accelerate the deployment of interconnected renewable energy systems across Nigeria. The MD added
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