The governments of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States are currently making progress in its quest to improve electricity to boost economies in their various states, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN survey on how states explore energy options to generate power to mini grids, shows that the three states have embarked on various projects to improve electricity in their areas.
The agency reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently gave six states the authority to regulate their electricity markets. The states are Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, Oyo and Edo.
In Enugu State, the government has licensed the Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited as its new Distribution Company (DisCo) and Fedikore Limited as a Generation Company (GenCo).
The Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Mr Chijioke Okonkwo, said that Fedikore Limited, a GenCo and the state’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP), would generate about 10 Mega-Watts gas-powered electricity.
Okonkwo said that the newly-licensed GenCo, would provide an off-grid10 Megawatts gas-powered electricity solution for distribution to industrial hub areas, highbrow residential areas and probably the envisaged Enugu New Smart City.
He said that with the functional Enugu State Electrification Law 2023 and the state electrification master-plan, “Enugu State is aiming to be a hub for electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria.”
The chairman said that it was envisaged that more investors in the electricity sector would be coming to the state after it had made its law and master-plan clearly spelt out.
“The EERC is extending an open invitation to electricity investors, developers, financiers and a service provider to seize the opportunities presented by the Enugu State’s evolving energy landscape.
“Under a ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ framework, backed by effective power purchase agreements, service providers will be able to recover their costs and achieve reasonable returns on investment.
“Consumers can expect enhanced service delivery with a focus on reliability, accountability and sustainability,” he said.
The Advocacy for Socio-Economic, Cultural and Political Rights, an NGO, appreciated Gov. Peter Mbah for his foresight in pushing Enugu State Electrification Law 2023 passed and signed as well as adding the state electrification master-plan to it.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Okechukwu Ugwu, said: “The two important operational documents have opened up the state as an energy market and a good ground for electricity investment, innovation and dynamism to strive.
“With the abundant natural gas and extensive coal reserves in Enugu State; I see more investors from the Asian continent coming as they are renowned in using gas and coal to generate electricity in their countries.”
Mr Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry in Anambra says the government is making efforts to evolve competitive electricity market, in order to ensure 24 hours power supply in the state.
Udechukwu, who spoke in Awka, said the legal framework was currently being worked on in two bills at the State House of Assembly, in line with the liberalisation of the nation’s power sector.
He said the two bills including the Power Policy Bills and the Bill for Establishment of Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commision have both reached advanced stage of legislative process.
The Commissioner said the current electricity pricing could not support the quantum of industrialisation expected in the state.
“We understand the centrality of power in the industrialisation process of any economy, it is good that there is devolution of power from the Federal to the State.
“The passage of the bills will create an electricity market which will diversify sources including hydro, gas and solar.
“It will also create competition and drive down prices and in turn improve the Ease of Doing Business,” he said.
Meanwhile, key stakeholders in Electricity Sector have recommended Solar Power for regular supply of electricity.
Mr Caleb Agbo, a stakeholder, urged the state government to invest massively in solar power energy to distribute electricity efficienctly.
Agbo added that proper appraisal such as financial involvement, manufacturers, installers, investors among others, should be carried out to enable them take off.
“Though, solar power is capital intensive but will ensure regular supply of power, boost businesses and address challenges associated with power distribution,” Agbo said.
Mr Chibuzo Okafor, a businessman , suggested that the renewable energy project, the power transmission at Ochudo centenary city, should be expanded.
Okafor stressed on the need for major stakeholders and government to show more commitment in energy security, maintenance and paying electricity bills to sustain supply.
He added that it would boost and address the frequent collapse in electricity supply.
According to him, vandalism has been the bane of energy supply in the country.
Mr John Nwite, another stakeholder, alleged that construction of solar powered mini-grid in some selected communities in the central senatorial district of the state with a project code of ERGP20243414 under Federal ministry of water resources had yet to commence.
An energy expert, Mr Chinedu Igwe, recalled that Gov Francis Nwifuru recently announced eight new transformers which have been successfully installed in Afikpo Local Government area to address power outage that had plagued the area for 13 years.
Igwe said in addition to the transformer installations, a new substation in Amasiri axis had been completed to support a consistent power supply.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to restoring power to the affected communities and to build their power plant to prevent collapse of national power grid.(NAN)
