Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco’s rural electrification journey has nearly achieved full coverage.
Access rates have risen from just 18% in 1995 to 99.89% by mid-2024, according to the latest figures from the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE).
This progress reflects the success of the Global Rural Electrification Program (PERG), a national initiative launched in 1996 that has extended electricity to nearly every corner of the country.
The program’s impact spans 13 million Moroccans, marking a significant advancement in socio-economic inclusion and regional development.
With a total investment nearing 25.3 billion dirhams (approximately $2.5 billion), PERG has connected 41,922 villages to the electrical grid, electrifying 2.16 million households.
In 2023 alone, the program expanded its reach to 198 additional villages, bringing electricity to roughly 24,000 people in rural areas.
Beyond traditional power connections, PERG has also incorporated renewable solutions for remote regions. Between 1998 and 2018, over 70,000 households were equipped with solar kits through collaborations with the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) and other communal projects.
This sustainable approach aligns with Morocco’s broader goals to advance renewable energy and meet environmental targets.
ONEE’s efforts have also facilitated substantial infrastructure development. This includes the establishment of over 51,000 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, 136,600 kilometers of low-voltage lines, and 25,700 transformer stations.
These improvements have bolstered rural economies, enabling growth in agriculture and small industries and modernizing local enterprises.
In 2023, more than 2,500 new users – primarily for irrigation, potable water pumping, and small industrial activities – were connected, highlighting electricity’s role in fostering economic diversification.
Since 2012, PERG has prioritized essential public services, providing electricity to 5,110 schools, 2,521 mosques, and 412 health centers.
Such connections are pivotal in improving educational and health outcomes, bridging gaps between rural and urban living standards.
Supported by international donors, including substantial contributions from Abu Dhabi, PERG exemplifies Morocco’s commitment to reducing regional disparities and advancing rural development.
