NERC transfers regulatory oversight of Kogi electricity market to state government

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order transferring regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Kogi to the state’s electricity regulatory commission (KSERC).

In an order on September 18, the commission said the directive would take effect immediately.

According to NERC, the transfer complies with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended). 

“Recall that with the EA 2023, the commission retains the role as a central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state/international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations,” NERC  said.

“The EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and requests NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations in the state to the State Regulator.

“Based on this, the Government of Kogi State complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC and requested for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in Kogi State.”

Also, NERC directed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (AEDC SubCo) to take over responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Kogi state from AEDC.

“AEDC shall complete the incorporation of AEDC SubCo within 60 days from 13th September 2024,” NERC said.

The commission said the sub-company would apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from KSERC.

According to the order, all transfers envisaged would be completed by March 12, 2025.

On April 22, Enugu and Ekiti states received approval from NERC to regulate their electricity markets.

A day after, the regulator also transferred oversight of the electricity market in Ondo to the state’s electricity regulatory bureau.

On July 1, the commission transferred regulatory oversight of the power market in Imo to the state’s electricity regulatory commission.

Also, NERC transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Oyo to the state’s electricity regulatory commission on August 5.

Almost three weeks later, regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Edo was transferred to the state’s electricity regulatory commission (ESERC).