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commentary energy

connection and distribution costs
need to be explored. Moreover, a
regulatory framework by the local
government to help private sector
actors provide a more competitive
pricing structure and to protect
the consumer from extortionate
prices should be put in place and
enforced.
A forthcoming research paper
on the local realities in SDG7
implementation in Kenya seeks to
provide detailed insights on the
challenges and opportunities to
be tapped to ensure sustainability
of energy access initiatives. In the
meantime, to ensure the success
of new and existing mini-grids it
is critical that donor agencies and
Talek solar power plant their local partners learn from
in Narok, Kenya Talek and other mini-grid projects
that are currently underway.
close to the national grid – which is
heavily subsidized. The recent insolvency Secondly, attention must be paid
of Mobisol, although not strictly operating to the handover phase to ensure It is important to pay more
in the GMG space, has illustrated the that there is adequate capacity attention to the operational
wafer-thin profit margins generated by and infrastructure at the local challenges that mini-grid
many of the energy access start-ups government and service provider users might face after they are
working in East Africa. This has sent level to ensure long-term commissioned – which need to
shockwaves through much of the energy effective and efficient energy be addressed from the outset.
access community who have looked at This is crucial to ensuring the
private sector solutions as a ‘silver-bullet’ service delivery. This requires sustainability of energy access
consideration of the availability
for transforming the energy access needs of local technicians and customer initiatives in places where energy
of rural communities. To address these needs are greatest.
challenges, several issues must be tackled services infrastructure on the
by donors, local governments and service ground. (Courtesy of Chatham House)
providers from the outset – before mini-
grids are deployed. For the regulator, a reporting requirement
to keep track of the performance of a utility
Firstly, mini-grids should be designed for will ensure that the service providers
flexibility during the planning phase to are held accountable for the service
accommodate the growing electricity delivered. Thirdly, the electricity tariff
demands envisioned. This should allow should be affordable as off-grid systems
both the original developer or a new often target marginalized communities
developer to expand the system if whose purchase power is low. The
needed. Moreover, the operation and fall in the price of renewable energy
maintenance service provider should technologies by almost three-quarters
prioritize delivery of quality and reliable between 2010 and 2017 will hopefully Anne Nyambane
power over quantity. trickle down to consumers. Beyond Academy Mo Ibrahim Fellow, Energy,
the technology, opportunities to lower Environment and Resources Department

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