Ethiopia launches US$1.67 billion rural electrification program

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia has launched $1.67 billion rural electrification program aimed at supplying power to 1,714 towns and villages, APA learnt here on Monday. Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) said that it will electrify 1,714 rural towns and villages in the coming 12 months throughout the county. The program, which is expected to benefit around 350,000 customers, will start this month. According to EEPCo, funds for the program have been secured from its own resources and international aid agencies. Currently, the power service coverage in a country of 77 million population is 22%, up from 17 % in the past few years. The company is planning to increase the coverage to 32% in the coming 2-3 years as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). EEPCo is a state-owned company responsible for power generation, transmission, distribution and sale. Official data shows Ethiopia has economically exploitable hydropower potential of more than 30,000 megawatts. Despite the huge potential, exploitation rate is only about 2%. Published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel                         +47 932…               or                         +47 63…               source.apa