The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company has transferred its operations in the state to its subsidiary, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mainpower Electricity took over from EEDC on Tuesday after obtaining a license from the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which commenced electricity regulatory duties the same day.
On April 22, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission transferred oversight of the electricity market in Enugu state to the EERC.
Also, NERC directed the EEDC to establish a subsidiary to take over the duties of supplying and distributing electricity within Enugu state from the power distribution company
Speaking at the event marking the completion of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight, Chijioke Okonkwo, chairman of EERC, described the transfer of regulatory authority to the EERC as “significant.”
According to Okonkwo, the development marks the start of establishing sub-national electricity markets in Nigeria and West Africa and across the African continent.
Okonkwo said Mainpower Electricity will commence operations in Enugu state starting from Wednesday.
He added that following the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law in 2023 and the establishment of the EERC, Enugu became the first state in April to be granted regulatory authority over its electricity market by NERC.
Okonkwo said after a six-month transition period, which ended on Tuesday, the state is now fully empowered to exercise its constitutional right to develop its electricity sector.
The development covers the entire value chain of generation, transmission, distribution, retailing services, and mini-grid and off-grid electrification solutions.
“Today completes the six-month transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential order of NERC, dated April 22,” Okonkwo said.
“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu state.
“This assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.
“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu state and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.”
