OTTI SIGNS ABIA STATE ELECTRICITY BILL

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia State Electricity bill has been signed into law.

With the law, the state government now has the authority to regulate its own electricity market.

Assenting to the executive bill, Governor Alex Otti noted that the State would set up Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority,
(ASERA).

Governor Otti said that the 64 page law, which would support the power initiatives of the government will stand the test of time.

According to the Governor, the Electricity bill will strengthen the plans of government to extend power to the rest of the 8 LGAs of the State having sealed the Aba ring – fence with Geometric power limited covering 9 LGAs.

He commended the State House of Assembly for the speedy but careful passage of the bill and appreciated the development partners for their inputs.

Presenting the bill for signing, the Speaker, Abia State House, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, said that Abia State is on the right path with the electricity bill (now law) and described the law as a milestone achievement that would bring about huge investment.

For his part, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Monday Ikechukwu recalled that the State leveraged on “the Electricity Act of 2023, which allows States to legislate on electricity to come up with the bill.”

He said the government considered what would work specifically in Abia State before coming up with the bill and informed the audience that the bill provided for power generation mainstreaming, protection against vandalism, distribution and regulations.

He lauded the Governor for realizing the vision of providing Independent Power for the State which is part of his election manifesto.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU