By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has signed into law the Abia State Electricity Bill, thereby empowering the State to regulate its own electricity market.
Governor Otti, while assenting to the executive bill, on Monday evening said that with the law, the executive arm of government can implement the law, adding that the State would soon set up Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).
Governor Otti said that the 664-page law document would support the power initiatives of the government, which would strengthen the plans of the government to extend power to the rest of the 8 LGAs of the State, having sealed the Aba ring – fence with Geometric power limited covering 9 LGAs.
“This is a document that will stand the test of time. It is a document that will protect the investment of everyone who wants to invest in Abia. It is also a document that speaks of renewable energy.
“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 can provide all the required power for Abia, then we will be able to also wheel some power to other parts of the Southeast and south-south to support them and earn some fees for doing that,” Gov. Otti stated.
He commended the State House of Assembly for the speedy but careful passage of the bill and appreciated the development partners for their input
“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,” Gov. Otti stated.
Presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker, Abia State House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa said that Abia State is on the right path with the electricity bill.
He described the bill as a milestone achievement, adding that it is a big business investment for the State and that the State House of Assembly understands the vision of the Governor and has to be committed to ensuring that he achieves his vision for the people of the State.
Speaking about the bill earlier, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu, Monday recalled that the State leveraged the Electricity Act of 2023 which allows States to legislate on electricity to come up with the bill.
He said that the State considered what would work specifically in Abia State before coming up with the bill and informed the audience that the bill provides for power generation mainstreaming, protection against vandalism, distribution, and regulations, adding that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority would soon be established.
He commended Governor Alex Otti for realizing the vision of providing independent power for the State which is part of his election manifesto. He also thanked the Speaker and the development partners for their support of the feat achieved.
“This law is an offshoot of the Electricity Act 2023 which empowered States 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 hHisExcellency for the support he provided to my team and our partners to make sure that we realize this great milestone today,” Engr? Monday stated.
