Access to reliable energy – for healthcare clinics, homes, businesses, farmers, and schools – remains a top priority for the Kaduna State Government (KDSG) and is the only way to build a sustainable economy that everybody can participate in.

Through its power company, KAPSCO, the Kaduna State Government is providing reliable power solutions to 255 Primary Healthcare Centres, 13 hospitals, schools, various communities and 1,300 solar-powered streetlights across Kaduna to improve night-time economy and security in inter-state bus parks. The Kaduna Power Supply Company (KAPSCO) aims to increase access to electricity, power off-grid communities, execute independent power projects, power public buildings and effectively maintain solar streetlights.

To achieve universal access in Kaduna, KDSG welcomes interventions by private and public partners, donors and other stakeholders.

One such partnership is with KONEXA – a new platform that helps National and State Governments and utilities accelerate the delivery of their vision for quality and reliable power for everyone. Konexa has been working with Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO), KDSG and the Nigerian government to bring this vision to life. With additional support from foundations like Shell, Rockefeller, DFID and Power Africa, they have been able to build the concept and start with projects in Kaduna State.

Beginning with the launch of a 21.9kW Solar Hybrid Mini-grid recently completed in Ruhugi, Chikaji Gbagi community in Igabi LGA, Konexa aims to construct seven (7) more in different communities in Igabi LGA over the next 9 months.

The Mini-grid in Ruhugi has over 70 connections to households and small businesses offering residents access to power for the very first time. Some of the key milestones achieved to date by KONEXA include:

• Approval of Konexa’s business model and greenlight to operate as a sub-franchisee of KAEDCO in Kaduna
• over 200 off-grid connections already in place in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State impacting over 1,000 people, and
• 10-hectare land in Rigachikun for 2.5MW AC Solar PV generation secured from the Kaduna State Government.

In the last 2 years, KAPSCO has saved close to ₦400 million in electricity bills, operated and maintained 2.3 MW of Solar systems across 47 locations and launched the Kaduna Solar for All program; a first of its kind, salary deductible financing available to over 70,000 public servants in phase I.

Additionally, KAPSCO is currently working with other partners to:

• Complete a feasibility study of over 38 communities and design a framework for the provision of customised, productive-use, off-grid power solutions to each community.
• Install solar-powered streetlights in and around economic centres in Barnawa, Kaduna to improve community lighting, security and night-time economy.
• Provide 80kW of Solar power for the computer labs of 16 public secondary schools as a pilot