*Kogi State Marks 1 Year of Energy Autonomy Under Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission KERC*

By Our Reporter 

 The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), Engr. Ibrahim S. Abdwaaris, has celebrated one year of regulatory oversight and the establishment of the state's electricity market.

 In a speech to mark the one year anniversary of the Commission, Engr. Abdwaaris highlighted the state's progress, citing streamlined licensing for private investment, consumer engagement, and frameworks for renewable energy integration.

"We have moved from a legislative concept to an operational reality," Engr. Abdwaaris said, adding that the state is committed to transforming into a resilient, investment-driven energy hub.

 KERC has issued permits to developers like Havewill Energy and CrossBoundary Energy Access, and rolled out multilingual outreach programs to educate citizens on energy efficiency.

The state's efforts aim to enhance electricity supply, improve reliability, and create a more responsive power sector for homes, businesses, and industries. 

Engr. Abdwaaris highlighted the commission's commitment to protecting consumer interests and promoting efficient energy use.

He noted that the State's initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralize Nigeria's power sector, with the federal government encouraging states to take control of their energy resources. 

The state's experience is expected to serve as a model for other states looking to improve their energy infrastructure.

According to him, the commission looks into a future of improved energy access and economic growth. With plans to review its energy allocation and reduce ATC&C losses, the state is powering ahead in its energy journey.

 The Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr Abdulmutalib Mohammed, in a message commended the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for its remarkable achievement in the past one year. 

Represented by Mr. John Aiyekolomogbun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner conveyed warm regards and congratulations to

KERC on its one-year anniversary. 

The Commissioner noted that KERC's establishment has brought significant progress in the state's energy sector, and commended the commission's efforts in promoting efficient energy use and protecting consumer interests. 

He expressed confidence in KERC's ability to drive growth and development in the state's energy sector, saying the ministry looks forward to continued collaboration with the commission. 

 The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, commended the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for its remarkable achievement in the past year.

 Represented by Hon. Yusuf Adebayo Ohiare, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Electronic Media, the Commissioner celebrated KERC's one-year anniversary, saying the establishment of the commission was a visionary step towards a more structured and efficient electricity sector.

The Commissioner noted that KERC has laid a solid foundation through effective legislation, consumer protection, and stakeholder engagement, aligning with the state's vision to improve the quality of life for citizens through sustainable and reliable power.

 He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting KERC's activities and educating citizens on its efforts, saying the commission's role is critical to driving economic growth and promoting accountability in the energy sector.

 The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Energy, speaking through the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency Hon. Jibril Abu commended the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for its efforts in addressing electricity issues in the state.

 Hon. Jibrin Abu who was accompanied by Hon. Aliyu Idris, Hon Bin-Ebiya Shehu Tijani and Hon. Jacob Olawunmi, appreciated KERC's outreach efforts, including radio appearances, town hall meetings, and online engagement.

The state Lawmaker suggested a targeted power summit to educate stakeholders and the public on KERC's plans and progress, noting that many areas in Kogi State require specialized solutions, such as rural electrification. 

He cited his own remote village as an example, emphasizing the need for synergy with agencies like the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). 

 Engineer Michael Enema Meliga, Vice Chairman of KERC, presented a progress report titled "The Journey So Far". 

He explained that Nigeria's energy sector relies heavily on thermal generating stations, which use gas supplied by the Nigerian Gas Company. However, gas supply issues have been a challenge due to payment disputes between the government and gas producers like Shell and Total.

Engr Meliga noted that gas supply has improved recently, resulting in better electricity supply. 

He identified two main challenges: gas supply limitations and transmission constraints, which restrict energy transmission to 3,000 megawatts. Energy cannot be stored and must be distributed as it is generated, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Acting Managing Director of kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited Mr. Desmond Eboh, the president of the Light -up Movement Mohammed Yabagi and representative of the Minigrid Operators Mr. Joseph Odoh commended the milestones achieved by the commission in its one year of operations.

 

As part of the event, three staff of the commission were presented with awards for outstanding performance, this includes, Mr. Ibrahim Nuhu Shaibu, Mrs Elizabeth Ibrahim Oziohu, of the Corporate Communication Unit, and Mr Obafemi Joseph- Legal, licensing and Compliance Department.

 Highlights of the event was the  presentation of licence to KEDL as well as presentation of  permit to minigrid operators including the cutting of anniversary cake and a raffle draw for staff won by Mr Obafemi Joseph.

Hassn Abubakar-Editor.