All Posts in "Day: October 22, 2024"

Enugu Licenses Mainpower Electricity To Distribute Power

      Mohammed Shosanya
The Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has been licensed to distribute electricity within Enugu State by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).
The Chairman/CEO, EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo presented the interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited as part of events marking the completion of the transition period for transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).
At the presenting of the license on Tuesday,Okonkwo implored Mainpower to continue with the operations of electricity service delivery to the citizens of Enugu State and work with the Commission to ensure growth in electricity services that is efficient, reliable, sustainable, and accountable is sustained for the long run.
Speaking after receiving the license, a member of the Board of Directors of Mainpower, Mr. Kester Enwereonu, said that the successful transition was a new chapter that reflects the forward-thinking reforms in the power sector and that Mainpower is ready to lead the way.
He added that to accelerate the transformation, Mainpower will deploy re-engineered processes, cutting-edge technology, and smart tools designed to leapfrog past conventional barriers, stressing that technology is at the heart of the company’s strategy.
He assured that Mainpower will be leveraging data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery and that its focus will be on building a future-ready distribution network capable of delivering sustainable, reliable, and uninterrupted power to homes and businesses across the state.
“This is a bold step towards building a better future for Enugu State and with the regulatory oversight of the EERC, our commitment to operational excellence, and the support of our stakeholders, we are confident that Mainpower will achieve the tangible improvements that our customers deserve”, Enwereonu assured.
 Managing Director of Mainpower, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya was present at the event.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the Electricity Act into law, States can now generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in Power 0
Meter Phase-out:FCCPC Meets DisCos,Vows To Protect Consumers

    Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos), following widespread consumer complaints.
A statement on Tuesday issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Special Duties & Strategic Communication, explained that recent announcements by Ikeja Electric indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, 2024, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.
“The FCCPC has observed rising anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they will be required to cover the cost of replacement meters.
“Further concerns relate to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.
“These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
“In line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is actively engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven (11) DisCos.
“The goal is to make the metering process transparent and accountable while protecting consumer interests,” Ijagwu explained.
He further stated that the FCCPC is initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.
“The Commission will also work to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing.
“Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation.
“The FCCPC is committed to preventing any disadvantage to consumers during this meter upgrade.
“This intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity.
“The Commission will continue to advocate for Nigerian consumers and ensure that service providers, including DisCos, act in a consumer-friendly, fair, and transparent manner,” the statement explained.
Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in Power 0
Jigawa Tanker Explosion:Death Toll Hits 181-Governor

          Mohammed Shosanya
Jigawa State Governor, Umah Namadi has placed the current death toll in the tanker fire incident that affected the state recently at 181.
He disclosed that another 80 persons are critical conditions at the hospital.
Namadi,who was at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday to brief the President on the situation revealed that a total of 210 families were affected by the inferno.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 15 when a truck carrying petrol, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, exploded in Majia, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following a fall that resulted in the immediate death of over one hundred individuals and injuries to many others who were scooping fuel.
The Governor said the state has already established a high powered committee under the chairmanship of retired DIG to investigate the remote causes of the incident and then advise the government on what to do.
Speaking to State House Correspondents on Tuesday,Namadi said, “the situation as at today is that we have about 181 people that died and about 80 people in the hospital and about 210 families affected by this.
“I came here to brief Mr President what happened to us, the tragic incident that happened in Jigawa state which claimed a lot of lives so we felt it is important to come and brief Mr President on what we are doing as a governement and also to thank him for sending a delegation immediately this incident happened.
“Of course, the state government has taken the medical bill of all the affected people. We have done a lot of intervention to the families, to ensure that they continue their livelihood, and also Mr. President, has promised to intervene and assist the victim.
“The state government has already established a high powered committee under the chairmanship of retired DIG to investigate the remote causes of that incident and then advise the government on what to do, you should also remember that Mr. President has given a directive immediately to the Corps Marshal  that he should investigate this matter, and he should come up with a permanent solution to this problem in this country”.
Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in News 0
EERC Assumes Full Regulation Of Enugu State Electricity Market

   Mohammed Shosanya
The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, Tuesday, assumed full regulatory oversight of the Enugu State electricity market.
This development saw the EERC, issued license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited,an EEDC subsidiary set up to take over electricity operations of EEDC in Enugu State effective midnight of Wednesday and the first Independent Power Project, IPP, in Enugu State, to Fedikore Limited, to build a  power plant with a nameplate capacity of 10MW.
Speaking,the Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the event as significant “as it marks the beginning of the development of sub-national electricity markets not only in Nigeria, or West Africa, but across the African continent.
He said:“Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from the national regulator, NERC, to the EERC, as stipulated in Section 230 of the Electricity Act 2023, and the consequential Order of NERC dated 22nd April 2024.
“Today, we now take on the monumental responsibility of regulating and guiding the electricity sector in Enugu State. This assumption of regulatory oversight is not just about the transfer of authority, but represents a shared vision for a more efficient, responsive, and innovative electricity market.
“NERC has laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that EERC will build on that legacy to bring about positive changes for the people of Enugu State and beyond, in line with Enugu’s realities.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.
“We are here to enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders by creating an efficient regulatory environment that fosters growth and transparency,” Okonkwo stated.
He commended the Governor Peter Mbah Administration for zero political interference in the affairs of the Commission.
“I must say that we have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from the state government activities and our own role. We have been established and supported to take off. However, we have also been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place, not minding how they impact on the state government,” he concluded.
A Board member of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Ltd, Kester Enwereonu, assured the people of the state a better electricity experience in all ramifications.
“We are not just identifying with EERC as the pacesetter, Mainpower will also want to be the pacesetter. We are assuring you that in the coming weeks, months, and years, and with the regulatory structure that are now tailored to the needs and purposes of the state, we are going to have an improved service to the people of Enugu State,”he said.
The Founder and MD/CEO of Fedikore Ltd, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, described what is happening in Enugu as revolutionary, expressing Fedikore’s joy to partner with EERC.
“The EERC has done a fantastic job in starting this revolution that is about to happen and we are pleased to be a part of it. Fedikore set up last year as the first IPP in Enugu State. We built 4mw plant at 9th Mile to supply power to the Enugu State Water Corporation here in Enugu. So, we are very committed to working with the state, especially given the leadership provided by both the government and the EERC so far.
“We believe that with the support of EERC, the state and with the partnership with Mainpower,we can do amazing things here to start the industrial revolution that we are talking about for many years. It is possible,” Umeh stated.
Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in Power 0
Seplat Confirms Presidential Consent On $1.28bn MPNU Deal

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

Seplat Energy Plc,has announced that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed  that consent has been granted by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to proceed with the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (‘MPNU’)

 

 

The company conveyed this in a statement on Tuesday.

 

 

 

“Seplat Energy sincerely thanks His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for granting this approval, and appreciates the support and diligence of the various Ministries and regulators for all the work on this Transaction”,it added

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
NERC Fixes October 24 For Public Hearing On Frequent Grid Collapses

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has fixed October 24 to conduct an investigative public hearing to address the incessant grid collapses in the country.

 

 

 

 

In a notice posted on its Twitter handle,the Commission said that the hearing would hold at its Hearing Room, Fourth Floor, Plot 1387, Cadastral Zone Central Business District, Abuja.

 

 

 

 

It said:“All stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the general public are invited to the hearing”

 

 

 

 

It is mandated to conduct public hearings on critical issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),the Commission said in the notice.

 

 

 

It added:“In line with Section 48, subsection 1 of the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended),NERC is mandated to conduct public hearings on critical issues relating to NESI.

 

 

 

“The Commission has noted with concern the recent escalating incidences of grid disturbances often leading to marked outages in several states.

 

 

 

 

“Thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability”.

 

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 22, 2024 in Power 0