● Ferdy Agu
••• As EERC Issues Operating License
The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has officially licensed Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), to manage electricity distribution within Enugu State. This significant transition marks the beginning of a new phase in power distribution, shifting regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to EERC.
At a ceremony held in Enugu, the Chairman and CEO of EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, presented the interim operating license to Mainpower. The event marked the conclusion of the transition period that commenced with the signing of the Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu. This legislation empowers states to regulate electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their borders.
Second from left: Chidinma Onoh, Company Secretary, EERC; the Chairman/CEO, EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo; member of the Board of Directors, Mainpower, Mr. Kester Enwereonu; Managing Director, Mainpower, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, and Commisioner, EERC, Mr. Reuben Okoye.
While presenting the license, Mr. Okonkwo urged Mainpower to maintain high standards in service delivery to the people of Enugu State. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration with the EERC to ensure that electricity services remain efficient, reliable, sustainable, and accountable in the long term. “The Commission is committed to supporting the growth of a robust power sector that meets the demands of the citizens,” Okonkwo stated.
With this development, the EEDC’s operations in Enugu State have come to an end, as Mainpower assumes full responsibility for electricity distribution. NERC, which had overseen electricity regulation in the state, will no longer play a role, as all regulatory functions have now been handed over to the EERC.
Speaking after receiving the license, a member of the Board of Directors of Mainpower, Mr. Kester Enwereonu, hailed the transition as a significant milestone for the power sector in Enugu. He highlighted Mainpower’s readiness to spearhead reforms, emphasizing that the company would adopt modern technology and innovative processes to deliver improved services. “This transition represents a new chapter, and we are poised to lead the way in the next generation of electricity distribution,” Enwereonu remarked.
Enwereonu further explained that Mainpower’s strategy would focus on leveraging data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency. He noted that the company is committed to building a future-ready distribution network capable of delivering sustainable, reliable, and uninterrupted power to homes and businesses across the state. “Our approach will be centered on the customer, with a strong focus on operational excellence and the use of cutting-edge tools to overcome conventional barriers,” he added.
He assured that Mainpower’s collaboration with the EERC and its dedication to excellence would result in tangible improvements in the power supply. “This is a bold step towards building a better future for Enugu State, and we are confident that with the support of all stakeholders, Mainpower will achieve the results our customers deserve,” Enwereonu assured.
The interim licence
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, the Managing Director of Mainpower, who reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity to Enugu State.
With this shift in regulatory oversight, EEDC will no longer operate within Enugu State but will continue to manage electricity distribution in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. The change follows the provisions of the Electricity Act, which mandates that NERC hands over regulatory authority to state-owned commissions, such as the EERC in Enugu.
The announcement of the transition was released by Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, who noted that the change would ensure better services for the people of Enugu State while EEDC continues to serve other regions under its jurisdiction.
