EDO GRANTS 7MW MINI-GRID LICENCE TO INDIGENOUS POWER FIRM

The Edo State Government has granted a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity licence to indigenous energy company, IZENERGY Limited, in a move aimed at improving electricity access, promoting renewable energy and accelerating industrial development across the state.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the licence was presented by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, during a ceremony held in Benin City on Friday.

Usenbo said IZENERGY Limited fulfilled the financial and technical requirements stipulated under the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), making it eligible to undertake electricity generation and distribution projects within the state.

He disclosed that the company carried out comprehensive feasibility studies before receiving government approval for the project, adding that the 7MW mini-grid will provide electricity to several communities across Edo State.

The commissioner explained that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to achieve energy sufficiency by combining electricity from the national grid, independent power producers and renewable energy sources.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing residents with reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity, noting that expanding rural electrification through renewable energy mini-grids remains a key priority.

Usenbo added that Edo’s ongoing electricity sector reforms are anchored on the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law, both of which promote the decentralisation of electricity generation and distribution while encouraging greater private sector participation in the power sector.