Abia Takes Full Control of Electricity Regulation as ASERA Assumes Authority from NERC

The Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) has officially taken full regulatory control of the state’s electricity market following the completion of a six-month transition from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ASERA, Mr. Emeka Onyegbule, announced this in Umuahia on Tuesday, describing the development as a major milestone in the state’s power sector reforms.

He explained that the transition followed the 2023 constitutional amendment empowering states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their territories. In response, Abia enacted the Abia State Electricity Law in April 2025, paving the way for the creation of a state-owned electricity market.

According to Onyegbule, NERC had issued an interim order granting states six months to complete the transition process, which included setting up institutional structures, appointing a governing board, and building regulatory capacity. With that period now concluded, regulation of the Abia electricity market officially falls under ASERA.

He said the new framework would bring electricity regulation closer to consumers, ensure quicker complaint resolution, enhance accountability among operators, and strengthen consumer protection. He added that ASERA has commenced the development of operational regulations and will engage stakeholders before final approval.

Onyegbule stated that the establishment of the state electricity market is expected to boost investor confidence, promote competition, reduce reliance on the national grid, and ultimately improve supply to homes and businesses. He also assured that estimated billing practices would be closely monitored, while efforts would be made to close the metering gap within three years.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the development aligns with the Abia 25-Year Development Plan and is central to industrial growth, economic expansion, and improved service delivery. He noted that ASERA now has the authority to issue metering and billing licenses and ensure cost-reflective tariffs under a transparent regulatory system, with safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, described the takeover as a landmark achievement of the Alex Otti administration, marking a new era of accountability, efficiency, and improved service delivery in the state’s electricity sector.