Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has signed the state's Electricity Bill into law, paving the way for the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Umuahia, the state capital, Otti commended the State House of Assembly for passing the bill and acknowledged the contributions of development partners. He emphasized that the law would facilitate the government's plan to extend electricity to eight additional local government areas, building on the Aba ring-fence arrangement with Geometric Power Limited, which currently serves nine areas.
“This law is built to last. It will safeguard the investments of those looking to invest in Abia’s power sector and also promotes renewable energy,” Otti stated.
House Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa described the bill as a significant milestone and a major business opportunity for the state. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the governor’s vision for Abia’s development.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, highlighted that the bill aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023, which grants states the authority to legislate on electricity matters. He explained that the law covers power generation, distribution, regulation, and vandalism prevention.
“This law stems from the Electricity Act 2023, empowering states to create regulatory bodies and develop electricity markets. It will drive local participation and enhance local content,” Monday added.
With the bill now enacted, the state government is set to establish ASERA to oversee electricity regulation and market operations in Abia.
