The Abia State Electricity Bill, which gives the state the authority to control its electricity market, was signed into law by Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking while assenting to the executive bill at the Governor’s country home, Umuehim Nvosi, in the Isiala Ngwa South council area, Otti explained that with the law, the government has been vested with the capacity to implement the law, stressing that the state would soon set up the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority, ASERA.
The Governor stated that the 64-page law would support the power initiatives of the government, which will stand the test of time, and would also strengthen the plans of the government to extend power to the remaining 8 council areas of the state that are not included under the Aba ring-fence arrangement with Geometric Power Limited, covering 9 council areas.
He said, “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 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 are able to provide all the required power for Abia, then we will be able to also wheel some power to other parts of the South East and South South regions to support them and earn some fees for doing that.
“When we started to look at the electricity bill, I think that was towards the end of 2023, given that the law had already been passed at the national level by the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
“It does appear that the arrangement was set up for Abia. The simple reason being that Abia State is probably the only state that has a ring fence area. I am not aware if there is any other state that has it.
“Of course, there is embedded power left, right,, and center, but Aba Power was the only independent, integrated power integrated because it is from generation through transmission to distribution.
“I was engaging with Geometric Power the other time, and they said with the capacity they have, they will be able to wheel power to Umuahia from the plant and maybe some other parts of the South East without necessarily incurring additional costs other than getting a turbine and putting it in place because all the other infrastructures are already in place.”
He lauded the State Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill and 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 and well educated in various fields.”
Presenting the bill to the Governor, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, said that Abia State is on the right path with the electricity bill.
He described the bill as a milestone achievement, stressing that it is a big business investment for the state and that the State House of Assembly understands the governor’s vision and is committed to ensuring that he actualizes his vision for the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, noted that the state leveraged the Electricity Act of 2023, which allows states to legislate on electricity to initiate the bill.
He disclosed that the state considered what would work specifically in Abia State before coming up with the bill, adding that the bill provides for power generation mainstreaming, protection against vandalism, distribution, and regulations.
He further stated that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority would soon be established and commended the Governor 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.
“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 have made provisions in the law to encourage local participation.
“May I use this medium and opportunity to thank His Excellency for the support he provided to my team and our partners to make sure that we realize this great milestone today?”
