ASERA Holds Public Consultation In Umuahia To Refine Draft Electricity Regulations

ASERA Holds Public Consultation in Umuahia to Refine Draft Electricity Regulations The Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority ASERA has held a public consultation forum in Umuahia, aimed at refining its draft regulatory instruments and strengthening market development within Abia State’s electricity sector.

The forum brought together stakeholders across the electricity value chain, including investors, consumers, regulators, and government representatives, to contribute inputs to the proposed regulatory framework guiding the emerging state electricity market.The consultation session was designed to encourage broad participation in shaping regulations that will govern licensing, market operations, and consumer protection within the state electricity market. According to ASERA, the engagement reflects a commitment to transparent and participatory regulation, ensuring that stakeholders help refine policies before final adopt.

• A transparent electricity market structure
• Improved service delivery to consumers
• Increased investor confidence in the state power sector
• Stronger regulatory oversight and accountability

The consultation is part of broader reforms aimed at developing a functional sub-national electricity market in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Abia State Electricity Law 2025.The draft instruments under consideration include key areas such as:

• Licensing procedures for electricity operators
• Market operation rules and compliance standards
• Consumer protection and complaint resolution systems
• Enforcement and regulatory oversight mechanisms

Officials explained that the framework is designed to balance investor interests with consumer protection while ensuring efficient electricity service delivery. Speaking at the forum, stakeholders emphasized that the Abia State Government remains committed to building a modern and reliable electricity market capable of supporting economic growth and industrial development.

The consultation was also described as a milestone in the implementation of Nigeria’s decentralised electricity regulatory framework, which allows states to regulate intra-state electricity markets.The ASERA public consultation in Umuahia marks a key step in shaping the future of electricity regulation in Abia State. By involving stakeholders in the drafting process, the authority aims to establish a more transparent, investor-friendly, and consumer focused electricity market that supports long-term sector growth.