{
  "id": 18303170,
  "title": "Zamfara, REA to power 125,000 homes with solar mini-grids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/zamfara-rea-to-power-125-000-homes-with-solar-mini-grids-18303170",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T12:33:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/zamfara-rea-to-power-125000-homes-with-solar-mini-grids/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has begun constructing 37 solar mini-grids in Zamfara State, aiming to connect 125,106 households across seven local government areas. This initiative is part of the state's plan to establish its own electricity market and draw in private investment. The projects will generate around 18.8 megawatts-peak of solar power in locations such as Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe, and Zurmi. Governor Dauda Lawal revealed the unveiling of a new electricity policy and a collaboration agreement between the REA and the state government for the solarization of public institutions like hospitals, schools, and government facilities. The Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, emphasized the Federal Government's support for states developing their electricity markets, citing the Electricity Act 2023 as a catalyst for such initiatives. Dr Abba Aliyu, REA's Managing Director, highlighted the broader economic benefits of the 125,106 connections, including job creation, agricultural growth, and improved public services. The projects also include the commissioning of two solar mini-grid installations at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and Government House, with a combined capacity of 2.2 megawatts and 3 megawatts of battery storage.",
  "summary": "The Rural Electrification Agency has started developing 37 solar mini-grids in Zamfara State to provide power to over 125,000 households. Read More: https://punchng.com/zamfara-rea-to-power-125000-homes-with-solar-mini-grids/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}