Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

EERC regulates Enugu Electricity market, issues licenses

POSTED ON October 22, 2024 •   Breaking News      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC Lincence

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has taken full regulatory control of the Enugu State electricity market, following the expiration of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state agency.

This development, which makes Enugu the first state to commence the development of a sub-national electricity market in both Nigeria and Africa, also saw the EERC, issue licensees to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited,an EEDC subsidiary set up to take over electricity operations of EEDC in Enugu State effective midnight of Wednesday and the first Independent Power Project, IPP, in Enugu State, to Fedikore Limited, to build a power plant with a nameplate capacity of 10MW.

This followed the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023, and the setting up of the EERC, which saw Enugu State emerge in April this year as the first state to be handed the regulatory power over its electricity market by NERC, but with a six-month transition period, which elapsed on Tuesday, thus effectively empowered to now fully exercise the constitutional right to develop its electricity sector across the value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, or retailing services, including Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.

In his address, the Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the event as significant “as it marks the beginning of the development of sub-national electricity markets not only in Nigeria, or West Africa, but across the African continent.

“Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential Order of NERC dated 22nd April 2024.

“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu State. This assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority, but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.

“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu State and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.

“Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.

“We are here to enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders by creating an efficient regulatory environment that fosters growth and transparency,” Okonkwo stated.

The Chairman commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for zero political interference in the affairs of the Commission.

“I must say that we have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from the state government activities and our own role. We have been established and supported to take off. However, we have also been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place, not minding how they impact on the state government,” he concluded.

Speaking, a Board member of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Ltd, Kester Enwereonu, assured the people of the state a better electricity experience in all ramifications.

“We are not just identifying with EERC as the pacesetter, Mainpower will also want to be the pacesetter. We are assuring you that in the coming weeks, months, and years, and with the regulatory structure that are now tailored to the needs and purposes of the state, we are going to have an improved service to the people of Enugu State,” he said.

On his part, the Founder and MD/CEO of Fedikore Ltd, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, described what is happening in Enugu as revolutionary, expressing Fedikore’s joy to partner with EERC.

“The EERC has done a fantastic job in starting this revolution that is about to happen and we are pleased to be a part of it. Fedikore set up last year as the first IPP in Enugu State. We built 4mw plant at 9th Mile to supply power to the Enugu State Water Corporation here in Enugu. So, we are very committed to working with the state, especially given the leadership provided by both the government and the EERC so far. We believe that with the support of EERC, the state and with the partnership with Mainpower, we can do amazing things here to start the industrial revolution that we are talking about for many years. It is possible,” Umeh state

READ ALSO
Ogun shuts  four companies for environmental violations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

OGUN, Nigeria (NAN) - The Ogun state government, via its Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), ha...

READ ALSO
Ginger farmers lament uncertainty ahead of 2025 planting season amid seedling shortages
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 22, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Some ginger farmers in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT...

READ ALSO
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Joins Cambridge Senate
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 21, 2025 0

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has joined the University of Cambridge Senate in the UK.  He is set to p...

READ ALSO
Kano secures $10bn investment for renewable energy, minerals in partnership with Morocco
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 21, 2025 0

KANO, Nigeria (NAN) - The government of Kano state has announced that it will secure more than $10 b...

READ ALSO
Tinubu calls for unity and resilience amidst National insecurity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 19, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed his command to the Armed Forces to...

READ ALSO
Local petrol production soars 670% as Nigeria cuts PMS imports - NMDPRA
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 16, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has a...

READ ALSO
LASG unveils plans for enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable power solutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 16, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - In an effort to ensure a 24-hour power supply throughout Lagos, the State Governmen...

READ ALSO
Lagos court struck out defamation suit against VeryDarkMan
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 16, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has dismissed the defamation lawsuit brought ag...

OUR CHANNELS:

2face get appointment as technical adviser to Benue Govt.
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia    has appointed music legend, Innocent Idibia...


Nigeria's Economic Reforms Boost Sovereign Credit Profile - IMF
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

The Assistant Director for Global Markets at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Jason Wu,  ...


Six dead in Okene Accident: Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges Immediate Road Safety Reforms
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

KOGI, Nigeria - Following a tragic auto accident in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the loss of...


Plateau NBA expresses outrage over violence, urges FG to protect citizens
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

PLATEAU, Nigeria - Due to the assaults and homicides occurring in Plateau State by alleged Fulani mi...


LASG reports over 517,000 traffic violations amid enhanced road safety measures
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Government on Tuesday revealed that from May 2024 to March 2025, mo...


Police Inspector Dies by Suicide in Port Harcourt
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - A Police Inspector identified as Maxwell Zabu, who was attached to a former Chairm...


Tinubu lauds ECOWAS for regional integration, economic progress at golden jubilee
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for promoti...


LASG celebrates two million passengers on blue rail, highlights transportation achievements
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 23, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria (NAN) - The Lagos State Government has announced that over two million passengers hav...


FG aims to upgrade 2,701 PHC to enhance healthcare access across Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

The Federal Government, via the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has reveal...


Education minister urges colleges to embrace dual degree system
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called on stakeholders in Co...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu