AN ASSESSMENT OF BENEFICIARY PERCEPTIONS ABOUT IMPACTS OF MINI GRIDS BUILT BY RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES WITHIN NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines Beneficiary Perceptions on the Impacts of mini-grids built by Rural Electrification Agency in selected communities within North Central Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to achieve the aim of the study. Questionnaires were distributed across the selected sample size based on the number of beneficiaries per community. The results show that 80.9% of respondents within the study area agree that mini-grids improved their productivity and enhanced synergy between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors since it energized processes such as milling, refrigeration of perishables, powered grinding machines and enhanced packaging activities. Other impacts highlighted include creating an enabling environment for emergence of businesses such as video viewing centers, hair salons, computer centers, grocery stores, cold rooms, welding activities, milling activities and other electricity enhancing businesses. Findings also revealed that electricity improved socio-economic conditions and improved the general quality of life and security within communities. The study further revealed that the performance of mini-grid projects within communities and beneficiary perceptions about the projects differs significantly from community to community even where such projects are executed under the same policy framework or by the same agency. The project perceptions were found to also vary across categories of beneficiaries. The study makes various recommendations including for REA to ensure PPP agreements incorporate accurate load analysis for appropriate plant sizing and proper load distribution, for greater efficiency of the initiative.