Decentralized electricity production plays a critical role in providing universal access to energy services. To achieve this goal, national governments may look to integrating mini-grids into their rural electrification planning and policies.

Governments can incorporate mini-grids into rural electrification master plans, rural electrification policies and strategies, national electricity acts and energy policies. This module describes policies that effectively have stimulated private-sector investment in mini-grids, as well as new and evolving methods used to incentivize private investment.

To promote large-scale investment in mini-grids, governments need streamlined licensing regulations that confirm legal status and establish clear options for mini-grid owners if the central grid reaches their service territory. Governments can also provide financial and fiscal incentives to accelerate investment in mini-grids.