The Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) has disclosed that the state has the capacity and energy requirements to access up to 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, against its current supply of about 30MW.
The Chairman of GOSERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, MNI, made this known on Monday when the commission’s management visited the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) at its corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja.
Arabi said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with NISO to improve electricity supply and strengthen the state’s emerging electricity market.
“Gombe State is currently receiving 30MW, whereas, in essence, its energy requirements and required capacity would allow it to receive up to 200MW,” he said.
He explained that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had mandated the commission to work towards improving electricity supply in the state, hence the need to engage NISO on how to achieve the objective.
According to him, about 30 mini-grid projects are already being developed in Gombe, but effective collaboration with NISO would be required to ensure a smooth transition and integration of the projects.
Responding, NISO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, FNSE, pledged the organisation’s support for GOSERC and commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the state electricity regulatory commission.
Mohammed said Gombe, as a commercial hub in the North-East, presented significant opportunities for collaboration in the electricity sector.
He assured the commission that NISO would work with the state to develop market frameworks capable of improving electricity supply and enabling Gombe to access more power.
“We appreciate the Governor of Gombe State, who stood out as one of the best during my time as MD of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. That he was the first in the entire North East to establish a State Electricity Regulatory Commission reflects the importance he places on electricity infrastructure,” he said.
The NISO chief also commended the state government’s establishment of an industrial park, saying the project would require reliable and increased power supply to support commercial and industrial activities.
“Gombe State is comparatively a hub for commercial activities within the North East. The establishment of the industrial park by the Governor is quite inspiring and warrants increased power supply to the state,” Mohammed said.
He added that NISO was ready to support GOSERC in developing a viable business model that would enable the state to access additional electricity.
Mohammed also advised the commission to regard Sabana, the electricity distribution company licensed to operate in Gombe, as a partner rather than a rival.
He said closer cooperation between the regulator and the distribution company would contribute to the growth of the state’s electricity market and improve revenue generation.
The NISO managing director further identified Gombe’s natural resources, particularly its coal reserves, as an opportunity that could support electricity generation and strengthen the state’s position in the power sector.
He assured GOSERC that NISO would also provide on-the-job training in various aspects of electricity sector operations.
Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Engr. Dr. Edmond Eje, advised GOSERC to ensure that all licensed distribution companies operating in the state register with NISO as market participants.
He explained that the registration was important because the distribution companies would be interfacing with the national grid.
The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, NISO, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, assured GOSERC of the organisation’s commitment to an open-door policy.
He noted that although NISO operates as a quasi-regulator, it remained committed to collaborating with subnational electricity regulators to improve electricity supply across the country.
The engagement between NISO and GOSERC is expected to deepen cooperation on power market development, mini-grid integration and increased electricity supply as Gombe State seeks to strengthen its commercial and industrial base.
