After a formal peace agreement ended a twenty year civil war in 2005, NRECA International initiated a new electrification project in the town of Yei through funding from USAID. NRECA International installed a street lighting circuit within three months, and proceeded to develop an integrated mini-grid that includes 1.2 MW of generation capacity and distribution system that currently provides reliable electric power to homes and businesses within the town. NRECA International has also provided technical and operational assistance to the existing electric utility in Juba.

NRECA International provided technical assistance in all aspects of design, procurement, construction, and operation of the electric generation and distribution system, and is currently providing institutional development assistance to the new utility, including training to utility personnel and the Board of Directors. In Juba, NRECA International continues to provide policy and program implementation support to the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities.

NRECA International continues to provide design, construction and management assistance throughout Southern Sudan. In 2008, NRECA International was tasked with the electrification of the two “market” towns of Kapoeta and Maridi. Kapoeta is a cattle town in eastern Sudan near the Kenyan border and Maridi is a historical center of government and education near the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These strategically placed towns are integral to the development of their regions in Southern Sudan. Each town will follow the template of Yei and will include islanded 800KW power plants and approximately 13KM of primary lines, serving a population per town of approximately 18,000 people.

Training is also an integral part of the solution in Southern Sudan. Management and technical training in all factors of electrification are ongoing components of the current program. Several Sudanese contractors are being trained to provide construction services for future projects in Sudan.

Program Accomplishments

• New generation and distribution system developed in town of Yei
• Organization of first electric cooperative in Southern Sudan
• Extensive training of local utility operational, managerial, and administrative staff
• On going training and capacity building utility personnel and Board of Directors
• Installation of new consumer information system for utility in Juba
• Completion of feasibility studies for seven state capitals