The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) has unveiled a new set of regulatory instruments aimed at ending monopoly in the state's electricity sector, improving power supply and attracting private investment.
The regulations, signed in Awka during a stakeholders' meeting attended by government officials and industry players, provide the framework for the operation of electricity providers in Anambra and set standards for consumer protection, investment and market participation.
Speaking at the event, ASERC Chairman, Prof. Frank Okafor, said the new rules would create a more competitive electricity market while protecting the interests of consumers and investors.
According to him, the regulatory instruments include business rules, customer protection regulations, investment guidelines and utility investment policies designed to guide the development of the state's electricity sector.
"The objective is for people to know their rights in the power sector," Okafor said.
"The business rules stipulate the guidelines which must be obeyed by stakeholders, while the customer protection regulation defines the rights of customers and service providers and provides guidelines for licensing participants in the sector."
The development follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo's signing of the Anambra State Power Regulatory Bill into law in April after its passage by the State House of Assembly. The law established ASERC as the state's electricity regulator and paved the way for greater state control of electricity distribution and regulation.
Okafor explained that the investment regulations provide procedures and requirements for prospective investors seeking to operate in the state's power sector, while the utility investment framework outlines the long-term benefits and opportunities available to operators.
He said the commission was committed to ensuring standardisation, quality control and regulatory certainty, which are critical to attracting investment and improving service delivery.
According to him, extensive consultations were held in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia before the regulations were drafted to ensure that the concerns and expectations of residents, businesses and stakeholders were reflected in the final framework.
One of the major objectives of the new regulations, Okafor noted, is to eliminate monopoly and encourage competition among electricity providers operating in the state.
"There will not be any monopoly in the sector. Other investors are encouraged to come in and compete. The idea is to provide alternatives so that consumers can choose who they buy electricity from," he said.
The regulations will apply to the state-owned First Power Distribution Company and other electricity distributors that may enter the Anambra market in the future.
Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, described the signing of the regulatory instruments as a significant step in the Soludo administration's efforts to expand access to reliable electricity and support economic development.
He said the state's development plans, including the proposed airport city, industrial park and Awka City Park, would require stable and sufficient power supply to succeed.
"If there should be a more meaningful life, it is about electricity. If we must transform our state into a smart city as envisioned by Governor Soludo, there must be adequate electricity supply," Mefor said.
He added that reliable electricity remains a critical requirement for industrial growth, job creation and improved living standards, noting that the government's long-term vision depends heavily on a functional power sector.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Utilities, Mr. Casmir Agummadu, said the regulatory framework marks an important milestone in the state's efforts to build a sustainable electricity market.
He expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the ministry and the commission would help deliver improved power supply and support industrial expansion across the state.
"We look forward to working with the commission to ensure that we meet the aspirations of the people of Anambra and lead the state to industrial growth," Agummadu said.
With the introduction of the new regulations, Anambra is seeking to create a competitive electricity market that encourages investment, expands consumer choice and lays the foundation for improved power supply across the state.
