ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Electric Service (EES) has announced that it has extended electricity access to 110 rural kebeles over the past 10 months of the current fiscal year.
The EES’s National Electricity Access Program Head Tilahun Berhanu told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the effort is part of the National Electrification Program, which aims to connect rural communities to the power grid.
According to Tilahun, the plan for the 2024/25 fiscal year was to connect 140 rural kebeles to the main grid, with a total budget of two billion Birr. So far, 110 kebeles have been connected, and the service aims to reach the remaining 30 kebeles within the next two months.
In addition to grid expansion, EES is also working to provide off-grid electricity solutions using solar energy, particularly in remote areas. This year, five kebeles have been connected to solar-powered electricity as part of the off-grid initiative.
Once completed, the project is expected to power agricultural centers, schools, water facilities, and other essential services in the beneficiary areas.
Tilahun highlighted several challenges, including budget constraints. The two billion Birr allocated was originally intended to connect 100 kebeles. However, the agency has taken on the additional task of electrifying 140 kebeles within the same budget.
Another major challenge is the low uptake of electricity by communities. Despite the government’s significant investment in infrastructure, many residents are reluctant to install meters and transition from traditional energy sources to electricity. If the community does not utilize the electricity infrastructure, it risks wasting valuable national resources, Tilahun warned.
He emphasized that beyond infrastructure development, efforts must be made to raise awareness and encourage communities to adopt electric power. He also called on stakeholders to play their part in supporting the electrification efforts.
The Ethiopian Electric Service is currently implementing the Light for All program, which aims to achieve nationwide electricity access by 2033. The plan envisions 25% of the population being served by the national grid and 35% through off-grid technologies.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025
