By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission ASERC has signed it four newly regulatory drafts into law to improve electricity supply in the state.
The commission argued that the laws are aimed to breakdown the monopoly power of the FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in charge of Anambra to enable other intended investors to invest in the sector.
The signing ceremony took place at the Anambra old government house conference hall Awka, on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026.
Speaking shortly after the signing, the ASERC Chairman, Prof Frank Nwoye Okafor, said the commission under his watch is tasked with regulating the Anambra Electricity Market and ensuring compliance with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.
“Key responsibilities include licensing companies engaged in generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity; developing tariff methodologies to balance affordability and sustainability; overseeing investments in the electricity sector and creating policies to attract local and international investors; ensuring consumer protection and resolving disputes in the Anambra electricity market.
According to him, “On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and Staff of ASERC, I welcome you to this auspicious occasion.
“Today marks a defining moment in the development of our energy sector.
“The signing of these Four Draft Regulations on Customer Protection, Application for Licences, Investment in Electricity Market and Business Rule represents not merely the conclusion of a regulatory process, but the beginning of a more structured, transparent, and equitable energy landscape for all.
“This is a journey started by our ebullient Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo sometime in April 2025, when he signed the Anambra State Electricity Bill earlier passed by the pragmatic Anambra State House of Assembly, into law.
“The Solution Governor quickly followed by inaugurating the five commissioners of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) on the 9th of October 2025.
“These regulations have been shaped by months of careful deliberation, expert consultation, and a shared commitment to getting it right.
“They reflect our collective resolve to protect the rights of every consumer, to establish clear and fair licensing frameworks that promote accountability, and to create the conditions necessary to attract sustainable and responsible investment into our electricity market.
“We recognize that a well-regulated energy sector is the backbone of economic growth and social development.
“When consumers are protected, when market participants operate under clear rules, and when investors have confidence in the regulatory environment, everyone benefits businesses, households, and the nation as a whole.
“The signing process also marks the beginning of structured collaboration with the relevant branches of the executive arm of government. In particular, the State Ministry of Power, the State Ministry of Petroleum and
other Ministries involved with Communications, Lands, City and Regional Planning to ensure ease of doing business in the sector.
To our partners, investors, and industry players: these regulations signal our seriousness of purpose to boost Anambra economic environment through constant electricity supply.
“With this signed instruments, individuals, groups or organizations are free to invest in the sector.
“There will be no more monopoly in the sector. We would now operate on parallel network. No longer business as usual. No longer FirstPower affairs alone. Intended investors are free to invest without any obstacle whatsoever.”
Okafor further called for collaboration to enable the commission work effectively.
In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, State Commissioner for Petroleum, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu and the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor described the newly regulatory laws as a further steps to help actualize governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a digitalized state in Nigeria, adding that it would encourage investors and also protect the consumer’s right in the state.
The event also has in attendance, the Managing Director of First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Mr Okechukwu Okafor, management of ASERC, Permanent Secretaries and the media.
