KERC takes over electricity market regulations, as State Target 70MW Energy Generation.
The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Monday engaged critical stakeholders in the energy sectors ahead of the official takes- over of the electricity market from the Abuja Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The KERC will on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 officially assumed the regulation of the electricity market, following the approval of the federal government in September 2024.
Speaking at the Market Electricity Kick-Off stakeholders engagement in Lokoja, Chairman of KERC, Engr. I Rahim Abdulwaaris said the state will witness a boom in business, assuring consumers, business holders and investors of a fair and transparent market regulation.
He said, “To some people here today, they may want to know why is the state electricity market necessary? We will provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity tailored to the specific need of Kogi resident 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 interest of all stakeholders in the electricity value chain, ensure fair, transparent and cost reflectiv tariff, perfect regulatory framework that build investor’s confidence to provide clear and predictable regulatory environment that protect return on investment.”
The State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Muhammed Abdulmutalib said the state has already taking steps towards bridging the gap of energy insufficiency in the state.
Engr who said the state is currently enjoyed just 50 megawatts of electricity daily from the national grid, said the state actually needs 120megawatt 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 it’s daily needs is actually 120 megawatts. To achieved this, investors have been giving the permission to look into either the Omi dams and other dams in the state to generate electricity. We are also looking at generating electricity through coal, as well as through solar.
“Kogi is richly bless and can generate more than enough. As low as 5 megawatts from a source, another 10megawatts from another source will end up getting us the desired amount of energy. By the time we put it together, we will get the energy sufficiency we need; a little water here and there makes a mighty ocean.”
The State commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo said the official take over of the electricity market by the KERC underscore the state government desire to ensure that citizens enjoy quality electricity.
“One of the cardinal pillar of the state 32 years economy master plan rest on energy sufficiency. The State knows that for economy to boom, there must be constant supply of electricity, and that’s why it’s making serious inroad in the electricity market.
“The KERC will now bring the electricity market closer to the people, build a robust consumers and distributors relationship and ensure fair balancing in the electricity tariff.
“We are also looking at generating our electricity, and very soon, Investors who have shown interest in the energy sector will be provided the means to generate electricity for the state. We assured that the state is safe for them, and we await their arrival.”
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