By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA — The newly established Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASERC, has unveiled regulatory instruments aimed at improving electricity supply, attracting investment and ending monopoly in the state’s power sector.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Awka, Chairman of ASERC, Professor Frank Okafor, said the regulatory framework would reshape electricity supply in the state through business rules, customer protection regulations, investment guidelines and utility investment policies.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders in the power sector and outlined operational standards for the state-owned First Power Distribution Company and other prospective electricity distributors.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo had in April signed the Anambra State Power Regulatory Bill into law following its passage by the State House of Assembly, leading to the establishment of ASERC.
Okafor said the regulations were designed to ensure that consumers and other stakeholders understand their rights and obligations within the electricity market.
According to him, the signing marked the beginning of a structured collaboration between the commission and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.
“The objective is for people to know their rights in the power sector. 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,” he said.
He explained that the investment regulations outline procedures and requirements for prospective investors, while the utility investment framework highlights long-term benefits for operators in the sector.
Okafor added that the commission would ensure standardisation and quality control while providing an operational framework capable of boosting investor confidence and protecting consumers from exploitation.
According to him, the commission conducted consultations in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia before drafting the regulations to reflect the views of residents and stakeholders.
He stressed that the new framework would eliminate monopoly in the electricity sector and encourage competition among service providers.
“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,” Okafor said.
Commending the commission for releasing the instruments, the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the Soludo administration had made deliberate efforts to expand energy supply in support of its development agenda.
He cited projects such as the proposed airport city, industrial park and Awka City Park as initiatives that would require reliable 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 described electricity as the foundation of the administration’s vision for a new Anambra and a key factor in making the state an attractive destination for investment.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Power and Utilities, Mr. Casmir Agummadu, described the signing of the regulatory instruments as a major step toward achieving sustainable electricity supply in 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,” he said.
