KEDCO expands solar projects, improves power supply across Kano, Katsina, Jigawa

Kano Electricity Distribution Plc has stepped up investments in renewable energy and electricity infrastructure as part of efforts to improve power supply across Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.

The distribution company said the initiative forms part of its long-term strategy to modernise the grid, expand access to electricity and support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda through solar and embedded power projects.

Speaking in Kano on Tuesday while responding to enquiries from BusinessDay, Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, said the company, under the leadership of Managing Director, Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta and supported by core investor Future Energies Africa, is pursuing aggressive renewable energy targets within its franchise areas.

According to him, KEDCO recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement to off-take 10 megawatts peak (MWp) from the Haske Solar Plant, described as Nigeria’s first and largest grid-connected utility-scale solar facility.

He added that the company is targeting 150MW renewable energy capacity by 2027 to boost cleaner and more reliable electricity supply across the three states.

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Sani disclosed that KEDCO had also commissioned a 500kWp solar-hybrid mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, while similar mini-grid projects are ongoing in Hadejia, Dutse, Kazaure, Ringim, Gagarawa and Gumel communities.

He noted that the company achieved 100 per cent market remittance recognition from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), describing it as a reflection of improved financial discipline and operational efficiency.

To strengthen revenue collection and customer experience, the company deployed ATM-enabled self-service payment kiosks that allow customers to pay electricity bills and purchase meter tokens independently.

He further revealed that over 40,000 prepaid meters had been installed within the last six months, while an additional 120,000 meters are currently being rolled out across the network.

KEDCO also reported a more than 60 per cent increase in electricity consumption by industrial customers, attributing the development to improved supply reliability and growing economic activities within the Kano industrial corridor.

As part of its grid expansion efforts, the company completed the ₦1.2 billion Dawanau Network Expansion Project, a 35-kilometre electricity infrastructure upgrade designed to improve supply to the Dawanau International Grains Market and neighbouring communities.

According to the company, the project now provides over 20 hours of daily electricity supply to the area, boosting commercial and industrial activities around the grains hub.