Anambra State Government has signed into law series of regulations to guide operations in the state power sector, describing electricity as an essential need in society, which requires adequate regulations to develop.
The Chairman of Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Frank Okafor who signed the newly unveiled regulations on behalf of the state government stated that the regulatory instruments will guide operations to protect both consumers and investors in the sector.
Okafor said the reason for this was to maintain standard in the sector, insisting that players in the sector must be guided by regulatory framework to avoid sanctions.
He said: “There must be certain standards that must be maintained in the power sector in Anambra State, and if they are maintained the sector will run smoothly for the benefit of everyone.
“We are here to perform the first and most relevant function in ASERC. This presentation and signing of regulatory instruments ceremony is a defining moment for us because the development of Anambra electricity sector will be predicated on this.
“We want to ensure that the regulations are right, so that whoever is a participant in the sector will know that what he is doing is what is expected, knowing that their rights are covered.
“With this regulatory instruments, you that is coming to Anambra to invest in the power sector will be able to operate and recoup your investments, and the consumers can also get the worth of their money. We want to say that it is no longer business as usual.”
Addressing the only power distribution company in the state, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company, which is a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Okafor said monopoly would not be tolerated in the state.
“Legal monopoly will not be tolerated in Anambra. We say this to our stakeholders in FirstPower, you must work hard and earn the trust of the people if you want monopoly.
“We are hoping for other investors, so that the competition will be high and if you must maintain a monopoly in Anambra, let it be that the people tested your service, approved it and decided to stick with you.”
Highpoint of the event was the signing of the regulatory framework by the chairman of ASERC, Prof Frank Okafor. The event was attended by other stakeholder in the power sector in the state, including; the commissioner for Power, Mr. Casmir Agumadu; chairman of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Okechukwu Okafor and top staffs of the commission.
David-Chyddy Eleke
