Enugu State govt. completes 60 days transition requirements, ends DisCo’s operations
…Mainpower Electricity Distribution Ltd takes over electricity distribution in the State
Oredola Adeola
The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), in compliance with the new Electricity Act of 2023, has issued an interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a fully incorporated utility company, exactly 60 days after April 22, 2024.
Advisors Reports gathered that this latest development marks the end of operations for the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Enugu State, with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) ceasing to regulate electricity business within the state.
Meanwhile, EEDC -as the holding company- despite this development, is expected to continue to carry out electricity distribution in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.
Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, announced this in a statement on Tuesday obtained by Advisors Reports.
According to him, the transition requirements have been fulfilled for the effective launch of the sub-national utility company following the official transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the electricity market.
Okonkwo, in his remark, charged Mainpower to continue with the operations of electricity service delivery to the citizens of Enugu State and work with the Commission to ensure growth in electricity services that are efficient, reliable, sustainable, and accountable for the long run.
Mr. Kester Enwereonu, a member of the Board of Directors of Mainpower, after receiving the license, stated that the successful transition marks a new chapter reflecting forward-thinking reforms in the power sector and that Mainpower is poised to take the lead.
He further said that to accelerate the transformation, Mainpower will deploy re-engineered processes, cutting-edge technology, and smart tools designed to leapfrog past conventional barriers, stressing that technology is at the heart of the company’s strategy.
Enwereonu assured that Mainpower will be leveraging data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery and that its focus will be on building a future-ready distribution network capable of delivering sustainable, reliable, and uninterrupted power to homes and businesses across the state.
“This is a bold step towards building a better future for Enugu State and with the regulatory oversight of the EERC, our commitment to operational excellence, and the support of our stakeholders, we are confident that Mainpower will achieve the tangible improvements that our customers deserve”, Enwereonu assured.
Ezeh stated that the EERC is expected to set up its regulatory framework to regulate the electricity market in their states and issue operating licenses to potential investors who may want to do business in the state.
In addition, NERC (which has been the regulator over the years) would have to hand over the regulatory and oversight rights to the state-owned regulatory commission (which in the case of Enugu State is the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC)).
Consequently, EEDC ceases to operate within Enugu State, as MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited is now the DisCo responsible for electricity distribution in the State.