ABIA TAKES OVER ELECTRICITY REGULATION AS NERC EXITS STATE MARKET. (PHOTO).

 Abia Takes Over Electricity Regulation as NERC Exits State Market

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially exited Abia State’s electricity market following the takeover of regulatory responsibilities by the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority (ASERA).

The development was confirmed on Friday as the Abia State Government, through ASERA, issued interim power distribution and generation licences to three indigenous electricity companies operating within the state.

While presenting the licences, ASERA Chairman, Emeka Onyegbule, said the new regulatory framework was aimed at strengthening consumer protection and ensuring fair practices in the electricity market. He warned that any operator found engaging in unethical conduct or non-compliance with regulations would face sanctions.

He said the government had commenced full protection of electricity consumers and dispute resolution mechanisms under the new state-led regulatory structure.

Also speaking, ASERA’s Executive Director for Legal and Regulation, Iguwo Ukwu, stressed that the licensed companies must ensure fairness in billing, metering, and customer engagement, adding that all operations must comply strictly with approved regulatory standards.

“You must demonstrate consumer protection and responsiveness,” Ukwu said.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities in Abia State, Ikechukwu Monday, represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Energy, Kachu Etolue, urged the new operators to prioritise reliable electricity supply and maintain public trust in the emerging market structure.

The three companies issued interim licences are New Era Electricity Distribution, APL Electricity, and Geometric Power Aba.