In a significant development, the Imo State Government has granted a licence to Orashi Electricity Company Limited to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity supply in the state, ending reliance on Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

Speaking at the event which took place in Owerri, the Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Nwabueze Oguchienti, an engineer, said the ceremony marked a crucial step forward in the Hope Uzodimma-led administration’s efforts to ensure a constant and reliable electricity supply in Imo State.

“This marks a crucial step forward in our efforts to ensure constant and reliable electricity supply.

“We are committed to changing the narrative on power supply within the next year.

“You are aware that the government of Imo State has since commenced the process of taking over the electricity market in the state. All of this started with the constitution amendment last year of the Electricity Act of 2023 which now gives the states the power to manage the power sector in the state,” said Oguchienti.

According to him, “The governor commenced immediately in ensuring that the necessary legal works were put in place and thereafter we also had to constitute the regulatory commission.”

He described this move as an important milestone towards dealing with and solving erratic power supply in the state.

“I can assure you that in the next one year, it will be a different story in the state because we are committed to have a changed narrative when it comes to power supply.”

The licence was presented to the management of Orashi Electricity Company by the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulation Commission (ISERC), Hon. Sam Nwaire, who noted that this development positions Imo State as a frontrunner in electricity regulation among Nigerian states.

“With this interim licence, we pave the way for a more robust energy sector,” Nwaire said.

Valentine Obumeyan, General Manager of Orashi Electricity Company Ltd, thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for his vision and mandate.

“Our mandate is to ensure stable electricity supply in all 27 local government areas of the state within a year. We are ready to support the governor’s vision.” (The Nation)

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