The current legal framework on electrification is ultimately set up to bring electricity to all end-users in the country. The EPIRA contemplates quality service not only to users connected to the grid but those in unviable areas through missionary electrification. The NEARA was passed with the same intention of providing electricity to the countryside —in missionary and economically unviable areas. Moreover, apart from its general goal of curbing carbon emissions, the REA’s push for the utilization of RE also contributes to energy access by providing new, sustainable and increasingly economically-viable energy sources.
To achieve total electrification, the government has been implementing various programs which cover both on-grid and off-grid electrification. These programs include the NIHE, SEP, and BLEP for grid electrification and PV Mainstreaming, Mini-grid QTP and Mini-grid NPC-SPUG Schemes for off-grid electrification.[1] According to the Department of Energy, the household electrification rate was 92.96% as of 2019[2] with 23,229,866 served households and 1,618,264 unserved households.[3]
To further improve energy access in the country, policies have been passed to.
- streamline permitting processes of power projects,
- improve grid access,
- improve on electricity cost,
- Empower consumers, and
- improve energy access in off-grid areas.
[1] Pp. 10-15 of Report [2] P. 5 of Report [3] see Table 2.6 Household electrification level from 2015-2019. Source: DOE 2019 Accomplishment report