The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission ,KERC, yesterday brainstormed with electricity stakeholders in the state ahead of today’s official takeover of regulatory functions.
The development is in line with the new electricity Act signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the Market Electricity Kick-Off Stakeholders Engagement in Lokoja, Chairman of KERC, Engr. I Rahim Abdulwaaris said the state is ready for the new task of regulating the electricity market, assuring that the development would enhance power supplies and promote transparent investment environment.
He said, “To some people here today, they may want to know why is the state electricity market is necessary? We will provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity tailored to the specific need of Kogi residents and businesses.
“We will bring an improved customer services that will bring decision making closer to consumers and stakeholders within the state and to enable Kogi State regulate and manage its electricity market directly for the benefit of people living in Kogi State.
“Our role is to balance the business interests of all stakeholders in the electricity value chain, ensure a fair, transparent, and cost-reflective tariff, and create a perfect regulatory framework that builds investor confidence. We also aim to provide a clear and predictable regulatory environment that protects return on investment.”
The state commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Muhammed Abdulmutalib said the state has already taken steps towards bridging the gap of energy insufficiency in the state.
Abdulmutalib, who said the state currently enjoys just 50 megawatts of electricity daily from the national grid, said the state actually needs 120 megawatts to be sufficient.
“Last week, we were in USA where we met with some investors to come into the state and invest in the energy sector.
“The state government is desirous of becoming energy sufficient. For now, the state is supplied 50 megawatts while its daily needs are actually 120 megawatts. To achieve this, investors have been given permission to look into either the Omi dams or other dams in the state to generate electricity. We are also looking at generating electricity through coal and solar energy,” he added.
