REGULATIONS FOR MINI-GRIDS TEMPLATE

The Regulations for Mini-Grids Template establishes a framework for the licensing, operation, and tariff management of mini-grids. It defines three license types based on capacity and connectivity: Simplified (up to 100 kW), Full (up to 5 MW), and Interconnected (up to 5 MW). The template outlines a detailed application process, a tariff calculation methodology balancing viability and affordability, and rules for main-grid interconnection, including compensation mechanisms for Full Licensees. It also includes minimum technical, safety, and environmental standards for simplified systems.

• The template defines three distinct licensing categories based on the capacity and nature of the mini-grid: a Simplified Licence for isolated systems up to 100 kW, a Full Licence for isolated systems between 100 kW and 5 MW, and an Interconnected Mini-Grid Licence for systems up to 5 MW located within a main-grid operator's area.
• Tariff regulations differ by license type: Simplified Licence holders calculate tariffs without requiring authority approval, whereas Full and Interconnected Licence holders must have their tariffs approved by the Authority.
• The proposed tariff calculation methodology aims to balance financial viability with consumer affordability by dividing the total revenue requirement—comprising operational expenditure, depreciation, and weighted average cost of capital—by the total kWh sold annually.
• To protect developers during the early stages of project development, the template allows for an Exclusivity Agreement between a community and a developer for up to 12 months, provided the site is not part of the main-grid operator's 5-year network extension plan.
• When a national distribution network extends to an isolated mini-grid under a Full Licence, the licensee can either convert to an Interconnected Mini-Grid Licence or receive compensation based on the remaining depreciated value of assets and recent revenue.
• The template specifies minimum technical requirements for Simplified Licences, including cable dimensioning to prevent melting and ensure voltage losses do not exceed 10% of the nominal grid voltage, and grounding resistance that should preferably be smaller than 2 Ohm.

APA

Alliance for Renewable Electrification (n.d.). REGULATIONS FOR MINI-GRIDS TEMPLATE. https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mini-Grid-Regulation-Template.pdf

Chicago

Alliance for Renewable Electrification. REGULATIONS FOR MINI-GRIDS TEMPLATE. n.d. https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mini-Grid-Regulation-Template.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Alliance for Renewable Electrification |title=REGULATIONS FOR MINI-GRIDS TEMPLATE |url=https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mini-Grid-Regulation-Template.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{allianceforrenewableelectrificationndregulations, author = {{Alliance for Renewable Electrification}}, title = {{REGULATIONS FOR MINI-GRIDS TEMPLATE}}, institution = {Alliance for Renewable Electrification}, url = {https://www.renewelec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mini-Grid-Regulation-Template.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }