The electric distribution grid in war-devasted Tigray Regional State is receiving a 1.7 billion Br renovation by the Ethiopian Electric Utility. Slated for completion after six months, the project aims to rebuild distribution lines in six zones and 33 Woredas on a grid stretching above 1,000 KM. Around 38 sites and 27 distribution centres which had sustained significant damage because of the two-year conflict between Federal and Regional forces, will also be renovated. Frequent power disruptions and sustained blackouts in several parts of the regional state have become common occurrences as significant damage to electric distribution infrastructure occurred during the conflict. Access to electricity in Ethiopia remains a challenge to around half of the population. The country is endowed with significant renewable energy resources capable of generating above 60,000 megawatts of power. The percentage of the population with access to electricity falls to 27pc in rural regions fueled by the high cost of constructing distribution lines even with sufficient power generation.

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