By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Group Managing Director of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Engr. Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, has stated that the reforms introduced by the Electricity Act of 2023 have fundamentally redefined the structure, governance and long-term growth trajectory of Nigeria’s electricity.

Mupwaya made the remark on Thursday during the presentation of the operating licence to FirstPower by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ANSERC).

According to him, the Act has, for the first time, empowered states to develop their own regulatory frameworks, electricity laws, policies and market structures tailored to their unique geographical and economic realities.

He noted that this decentralisation has “ignited a wave of innovation across the country,” with Anambra State emerging as a leading example of strategic, deliberate and visionary implementation.

“As a key stakeholder in this new paradigm, EEDC recognised early that success in the reformed market would depend on readiness, collaboration and a willingness to embrace change,” he said.

Mupwaya explained that EEDC therefore undertook a proactive restructuring to establish state-centric subsidiaries aligned with the evolving state electricity markets.

FirstPower, its subsidiary responsible for distribution within Anambra State, is a product of this forward-looking strategy.

“Until today, FirstPower operated under the NERC licence issued to EEDC. However, the operating licence being conferred by ANSERC marks an important milestone in a transition that will ultimately deliver a vibrant, competitive and dynamic electricity market in Anambra State,” he stated.

He added that this achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when stakeholders collaborate with shared purpose and clarity of vision.

According to him, the transition process in Anambra has been “a model of constructive engagement, technical depth and transparent coordination.”

“We are proud to acknowledge the invaluable support from the Anambra State Government, whose commitment to a strong electricity sector is evident in the development of the State Electricity Law, the State Electricity Policy and the Integrated Resource Plan. These instruments create a solid foundation for planning, investment, innovation and sustainable growth,” he said.

Mupwaya affirmed that EEDC and FirstPower are fully aligned with the state’s development aspirations.

The ongoing reforms, he said, have created the conditions for accelerated investment, network expansion, improved customer service and modernisation of the electricity value chain.

“Our growth plans for FirstPower are deliberately structured to complement the state’s industrialisation agenda, urban expansion, agricultural development and SME competitiveness. We see in Anambra a transformation template that other jurisdictions can study and adapt. This state has shown that with the right leadership, clear policies, structured engagement and professional regulatory oversight, the objectives of the Electricity Act 2023 can be achieved smoothly and sustainably,” he added.

He noted that today’s licensing ceremony is “not merely an administrative step; rather a clear signal that Anambra State is open for electricity investment, open for innovation and open for accelerated progress.”

The licence, he said, affirms that FirstPower is now fully authorised to operate under the state’s regulatory framework while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery, safety, environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

“As we look ahead, EEDC and FirstPower remain committed to deepening our partnership with Anambra State. We will invest in infrastructure, deploy technologies that enhance efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and support the emergence of a resilient, future-ready electricity market. Our goal is to ensure that the people and businesses of Anambra enjoy reliable, affordable and sustainable power that drives economic prosperity and social wellbeing,” he noted.

He expressed profound appreciation to ANSERC for its professionalism throughout the process and thanked the Governor and Government of Anambra State for their visionary leadership.

“Together, we will build an electricity sector that reflects the promise of the reforms and positions Anambra as a model for the nation.

Earlier in his reaction, managing Director of FirstPower Electricity Distribution company, Okechukwu Okafor, said the licensing was to formalise the company's presence and inform stakeholders that this is no longer EEDC in charge but an independent body saddled with the responsibility of Distributing Electricity in Anambra.

"We are going to partner the industrialists, the state government, and Ndi Anambra, so that they will understand that our presence is geared towards a better solution to Electricity.