The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) has issued an operational licence to First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC) for electricity distribution in the state.
During a ceremony in Awka, Prof. Frank Okafor, Chairman/CEO of ASERC, presented an interim licence to FPEDC, authorising the company to operate for one year.
The licence follows a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) order that transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market to the state after the inauguration of five commissioners on 9 October 2025.
Prof. Okafor explained that the move aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, which is committed to upgrading the state’s electricity infrastructure and promoting industrialisation.
He noted that, under Section 33 of the Anambra State Electricity Law (2025), only licence‑holders may participate in the state’s electricity market.
Existing operators that are already serving customers must regularise their licences through a thorough process, and ASERC has therefore granted interim licences to NERC‑licensed companies already operating in Anambra.
Dr. Ernest Mupwaya of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) received the certificate on behalf of FPEDC.
He praised the Electricity Act 2023 for empowering states to develop their own regulatory frameworks and highlighted Anambra’s leadership in implementing these reforms.
According to Dr. Mupwaya, the collaboration among the Anambra State Government, ASERC, and industry stakeholders has produced a “model of constructive engagement, technical depth, and transparent coordination,” paving the way for a competitive electricity market in the state.
He added that EEDC and FPEDC are fully aligned with Anambra’s development goals.
The ongoing reforms are expected to attract investment, expand the network, improve customer service, and modernise 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,” Dr. Mupwaya said.
He expressed confidence that the company will exceed the expectations of the state government and the people of Anambra.
The interim licence will allow FPEDC to continue its operations while the commission completes the full licensing procedure.
ASERC has pledged to ensure that all licence‑holders adhere to the standards set out in the Anambra State Electricity Law, thereby safeguarding consumers and supporting the state’s broader economic objectives.
Earlier in his reaction, Managing Director 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 with the industrialists, the state government, and Ndi Anambra so that they will understand that our presence is geared towards a better solution to electricity. We want to change the narrative and target the customers to be happy. We need to take the message to them, provided there is goodwill. We hope that by the end of 2027, the billing rights of the customer will be metered for easy accountability.
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