Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assented to the state’s Electricity Bill Into Law, saying the next move is to set up the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).
At the event, yesterday, in Umuahia, the state capital, Otti lauded the State House of Assembly for the passage of the Bill and appreciated the development partners for their inputs.
“The law will strengthen the government’s plans to extend power to the rest of the eight local governments having sealed the Aba ring-fence with Geometric Power Limited covering nine areas.”
“This is a document that will stand the test of time. It will protect the investment of everyone that wants to invest in the state. It is also a document that speaks of renewable energy,” he said.
In a comment before presenting the Bill, the speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa described it as a milestone achievement, adding that it is a big business investment for the state.
“We understand the vision of the governor for the state and we’re committed to ensuring that he delivered the vision for the good of the people,” noted the speaker of the 8th Assembly.
Earlier, the commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday explained that the state leveraged on the Electricity Act of 2023 which allows states to legislate on electricity to come up with the Bill.
Monday said the Bill provides for power generation mainstreaming, protection against vandalism, distribution and regulations, adding that the regulatory authority would soon be established,
“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. It will encourage local participation and local content,” he said.
