…EERC Hands Over Operating License
The EEDC in an official statement signed by EMEKA EZEH Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC on Tuesday 22nd October, 2024 stated;
Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), has officially been licensed to distribute electricity across Enugu State by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).
At a ceremony in Enugu marking the conclusion of the regulatory transition from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the EERC, the Chairman and CEO of the EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, presented the interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited.
While presenting the license, Okonkwo tasked Mainpower with ensuring the continuation of quality electricity service delivery to the people of Enugu State. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a reliable, sustainable, and accountable power distribution system and called for collaboration between the Commission and Mainpower to ensure long-term growth in the sector.
This development signals the end of EEDC’s operations in Enugu State, as all regulatory and distribution activities have now been transferred to Mainpower. Consequently, NERC will no longer regulate the electricity sector within Enugu State.
Speaking after receiving the license, Mr. Kester Enwereonu, a member of the Board of Directors of Mainpower, described the successful transition as a pivotal moment that reflects the progressive reforms taking place in the power sector. He expressed Mainpower’s readiness to lead the state’s electricity distribution forward.
Enwereonu outlined Mainpower’s commitment to accelerating transformation by utilizing innovative processes, advanced technologies, and smart tools designed to overcome conventional industry challenges. He emphasized that technology will play a central role in the company’s strategy moving forward.
He further assured stakeholders that Mainpower will leverage data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery. The company’s focus will be on building a robust, future-ready distribution network capable of delivering sustainable, reliable, and uninterrupted power to homes and businesses across Enugu State.
“This marks a significant step toward securing a better future for Enugu State. With the regulatory oversight of the EERC, our commitment to operational excellence, and the support of our stakeholders, we are confident that Mainpower will deliver the meaningful improvements our customers deserve,” Enwereonu affirmed.
Also in attendance at the event was Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director of Mainpower.
It is worth noting that following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Electricity Act into law, states are now empowered to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. They are also expected to establish their own regulatory frameworks to oversee the electricity market within their territories and issue operating licenses to potential investors.
As part of this process, NERC, which had served as the regulatory body, will transfer its regulatory and oversight responsibilities to state-owned regulatory commissions, such as the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) in this case.
As a result, EEDC will no longer operate within Enugu State, with Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited now serving as the primary distribution company (DisCo) responsible for electricity distribution in the state. However, EEDC will continue its distribution operations in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.
