Governor Alex Otti has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, granting the state full authority to regulate its electricity market, expand power distribution, attract investors, and establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) to oversee generation, transmission, and distribution.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Otti emphasized that the new law provides a solid legal framework for the state’s electricity sector and will encourage investment while ensuring reliable power supply.
“This is the document that will stand the test of time. It is a document that will protect the investment of everyone that wants to invest in Abia. It is also a document that speaks of renewable energy,” Otti stated.
The governor noted that Abia’s electricity expansion plan builds on the existing Aba ring-fence, powered by Geometric Power, which currently serves nine local government areas (LGAs).
“The next phase of the plan, he said, is to extend electricity coverage to the remaining eight LGAs by integrating them into the Umuahia ring-fence.
“The remaining 8 local government areas in the state that are not under the Aba ring-fence, we are working hard to bring them under the Umuahia ring-fence.
“So this legislation would support that initiative, and we are very close to signing an MoU moving forward in that direction. It also would protect prospective investors in power generation.
“In fact, our dream is that if we are able to provide all the required power for Abia, then we will be able to also wheel some power to other parts of the Southeast to support them and earn some fees for doing that,” he added.
Otti recounted how the state began working on the electricity bill in late 2023, shortly after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Electricity Act into law, which granted states the authority to regulate their own electricity markets.
He emphasized that Abia was in a unique position to take advantage of this law due to its existing power infrastructure.
“It does appear that the arrangement was set up for Abia. The simple reason being that Abia is probably the only state that has a ring-fence. I am not aware that there is any other state that has it.
“Of course, there is embedded power left, right, and center, but Aba Power was the only independent, integrated power—integrated because from generation through transmission to distribution.
“I was engaging with Geometric the other time, and they said with the capacity they have, they will be able to wheel power to Umuahia from the plant and maybe some other parts of the Southeast without necessarily incurring additional costs other than getting a turbine and putting it in place because all the other infrastructure is already in place,” the governor explained.
He commended the Abia State House of Assembly for its swift but thorough passage of the bill and acknowledged the contributions of development partners.
“I want to thank the State House of Assembly for the passage of this bill that emanated from the executive, speedily but carefully.
“I think I must put it on record that Abia State is lucky to have the 8th Assembly. It is an Assembly of people who are exposed, well-educated in various fields,”* Otti said.
Presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the legislation as a milestone achievement and a major business investment for the state. He emphasized that the House remains committed to supporting the governor’s vision for a more industrialized and energy-sufficient Abia.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, explained that the bill was developed in alignment with the Electricity Act of 2023, which allows states to regulate their electricity markets. He noted that the law includes provisions for power generation, distribution, regulation, and protection against vandalism.
Monday praised Governor Otti for fulfilling his campaign promise to establish an independent electricity framework for Abia and thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the process.
“This law is emanating from the Electricity Act 2023, which warrants states to be able to form a regulatory body to regulate and create an electricity market. This law as well will encourage local participation and local content.
“We’ve made provisions in the law to encourage local participation.
“May I use this medium and opportunity to thank His Excellency for the support he provided to my team and our partners to make sure we realize this great milestone today,” Monday stated.
Otti Signs Abia Electricity Bill Into Law, Moves To Establish ASERA is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
