By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), has decries high cases of over billing by the newly established FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited operating in the state.
The ASERC executive director, Consumers Affairs, Engr Nosike Emmanuel, raised the alarm at a one-day interactive engagement with Anambra electricity consumers, held at the Kings David Hotel along Enugu-Awka-Onitsha expressway in Awka, on Tuesday.
He said as it stands, the commission is handling over 86 complaint cases of over billing in the state.
“We are currently handling over eight six complaint cases of over billings reported to us by the Anambra electricity consumers, which is part of why we gathered here. We organized this interactive engagement to forge a way forward on how to curbed or resolved the complaint cases and also to address the issues of poor electricity supply in the state.
The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) is an independent regulatory body established under the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025 to oversee and develop the State’s electricity market.
“We exist to ensure that every home, business, and institution in Anambra has access to reliable, affordable, and safe electricity, and which is why we are using this meeting to let Anambra residents and the general public to always visit the Commission’s Customer Complaint Unit for immediate intervention and if the complainant didn’t get positive response within ten days, he/she can officially write to the top management of the commission for proper resolution.
ASERC regulates operators, protects consumers, and promotes investment and innovation in power generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. Guided by integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
“We serve as the bridge between government, industry, and consumers- shaping a modern electricity sector that powers Anambra’s growth and prosperity, the director noted.
In his remark, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASERC, Prof Frank Nwoye Okafor, called for a better working relationship between the electricity distribution companies and the consumers, adding that the vision of the commission under his leadership is to ensure that any electricity company operating in the state maintain the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025 standard.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Okechukwu Okafor while pledging to deal decisively with the issue of over billings in the state, informed the gathering that four of his staff are currently facing criminal charges related to the above mentioned cased.
Okafor also informed the participants that the blackout the state and the country at large are presently witnessing maybe a blessing in disguise, assuring a total power restoration before the end of December, 2026.
Some of the participants including Comrade Osita Obi, in their separate contributions called for a complete cancellation of estimated billing in Nigeria.
They also appealed to the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to urgently intervene to enable him actualize his vision of making Anambra African -Dubai-Tiawan.
The event also has in attendance, officials from the State Ministry of Power and Water Resources, COREN, ASERC Executive Commissioner in charge of Market Competition and Rates, Dr Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, Community leaders, CSOs and the Media.
