NERC Transfers Electricity Market Regulation to Abia State, Effective June 25

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Abia Takes Control of Electricity Market Regulation
–NERC Hands Over Oversight Authority to State Electricity Agency

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred regulatory oversight of Abia State’s electricity market to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), marking a major shift in Nigeria’s power sector decentralization.

This landmark move, issued through Order No. NERC/2025/058, takes effect from June 25, 2025, in line with the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended).

NERC confirmed that Abia State fulfilled the requirements of Section 230 (2) of the Electricity Act and duly notified the Commission of its readiness to assume full control of intrastate electricity regulation.

As part of the transition, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) — the existing distribution company serving the region — is mandated to incorporate a subsidiary that will handle the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity within Abia.

Speaking on the development, Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, emphasized that the move aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s promise to expand electricity access to underserved industries and communities across the state.

“This transfer empowers Abia to establish tariff structures tailored to our local economy, making electricity more affordable and encouraging sustainable cost recovery,” Monday said.

He added that ASERA, located in Umuahia, will now drive a localized and responsive regulatory system that enables the state to quickly adjust policies to meet its energy goals, including the promotion of mini-grids and renewable energy initiatives.

According to the Commissioner, the shift will also reduce bottlenecks in licensing, complaints handling, and dispute resolution, thereby improving service delivery to consumers.

The full transfer of regulatory obligations from NERC to ASERA is expected to be completed by December 24, 2025.