Delta to set up State Electricity Commission, Rural Electrification Agency ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

In its bid to transform its electricity sector , the Delta State government has approved the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission as well as a Rural Electrification Agency , which will focus on delivering electricity to under-served rural communities across the state

To this end , a decentralized mini-grid model that will allow multiple independent operators to provide end-to-end electricity services in various locations across the state , has been adopted

At a post-executive council ( exco) press briefing at the press centre of Government house , Asaba , the Commissioner for Economic Planning , Mr Sunny Ekedayen, , recalled that the State House of Assembly had earlier domesticated the Federal Government,s 2023 Electricity Act, thus  providing the legislative framework for the state to chart its own course in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation .

The Commissioner for Economic Planning disclosed that "with the passage of that law, we now have a clear pathway towards providing reliable and steady electricity supply to Deltans at competitive prices. This latest EXCO approval marks another major milestone in our journey"

While clarifying that the initiative is a private sector driven one , Ekedayen added that government,s role is to set the rules , ensure fairness , and create the atmosphere for investment and innovation to thrive .

Thus,  the approved Delta State Electricity Commission which will serve as the central regulatory authority , will be responsible for issuing licenses, monitoring compliance , and mediating between operators and consumers, the Economic Planning Commissioner emphasized

Additionally , he disclosed , the state has created the role of a System Operator to oversee the technical coordination of generation and supply processes, as well as a market operator who will track supply data , enforce service standards , and ensure that maximum electricity hours are delivered to homes and businesses .

Ekedayen also announced that a consultant to help midwife the electricity transition process , providing expert guidance and assisting in the creation of a robust implementation roadmap, will be appointed .

Describing the latest EXCO approvals as the formal birth of the Delta State Electricity market , he said , "With this , we are confident that Delta is on course to becoming a model for sub-national electricity transformation in Nigeria" .

Other landmark approvals totalling #230 billion , include the design and construction of two flyovers at Uromi junction in lka South local government ( #59 billion) and Otovwodo junction along the East-West Road in Ughelli, Ughelli North , among other road projects across the three Senatorial districts of the state

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presided over the Exco meeting , while the Commissioners for Public lnformation , Mr Charles Aniagwu, Health , Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Riverine infrastructure , Ebikeme Clark, Urban Roads , Reuben lzeze , and Chief Press Secretary , Sir Festus Ahon , attended the post- exco briefing