Uche Cecil Izuora
The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN), has declared that each State Electricity Regulator is uniquely positioned within to determine and implement appropriate electricity tariffs that are fair to customer and at same time.
They are also expected under the terms catalyze investments within their electricity markets, depending on their perculiar electricity market dynamics, licensee cost structures, consumer needs and regulatory assessments.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State and Chairman, FOCPEN and Barr. Omale Omale
Commissioner of Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Benue State and Secretary, FOCPEN, the body assured investors in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) that States are not seeking to arbitrarily downgrade tariffs, nor depend on unsustainable electricity subsidies by the Federal Government.
“On the contrary, States are resolute in their call for the removal of untargeted and opaque federal subsidies, advocating instead for the establishment of truly cost-reflective sub- national and wholesale electricity markets. States, including Enugu State, are collectively committed towards fostering financially viable and sustainable electricity sectors where electricity tariffs accurately reflect the cost of service delivery, thereby encouraging investment and efficiency.” the statement said.
While clarifying the recent developments in the Enugu State electricity market and to reassure investors and stakeholders about the direction of electricity sector reforms across Nigerian States, FOCPEN acknowledged and argued that the recent decision by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to review and adjust electricity tariffs within its jurisdiction.
“It is crucial to understand that Enugu State’s actions are fully aligned with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electricity Act 2023, and Enugu State electricity laws and regulations.
“These legal frameworks empower States to regulate their intra-state electricity markets, including determine and implement electricity tariffs within their jurisdiction, which are fair to electricity consumers and sufficient to allow licensees recover their operating expenses and investments.
“FOCPEN wishes to also clarify that the EERC’s tariff order followed a comprehensive and meticulous review process that involved a thorough examination of the capital expenditure (Capex) and operational expenditure (OpEx) assumptions of MainPower Electricity Distribution Company, the State electricity distribution company.” the statement added.
The Forum added that this rigorous assessment was conducted using data and information provided by the distribution company itself, stressing, “EERC also carried out a rigorous assessment of MainPower’s existing customer tariff classification and regulatory asset base.”
They noted that one outcome of its rigorous assessment revealed that EERC had lifeline customers paying N4.00/kwh on Band A Feeders, including a former two time Military Administrator and former Chief of Naval Staff. The EERC, acting within the ambit of its regulatory provisions, has set tariffs appropriately based on these findings, aiming for a cost- reflective and fair market for consumers and operators alike.
FOCPEN, further emphasized that while Enugu State has, based on its specific market conditions and regulatory findings, adjusted its Band A tariffs downwards, this does not dictate a uniform approach for other States.
It said for instance, several SERCs (e.g Ekiti State, Ondo State, etc), have issued tariff orders maintaining the present MYTO tariffs.
The FOCPEN added that State electricity regulators, including EERC, regulate the intra-state distribution segment not the wholesale electricity market. “Therefore, the tariffs for wholesale generation and transmission services, which fall under the purview of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), remain secure and unaffected by Enugu State’s regulatory actions.
“The fear among GenCos that Enugu State’s tariff review will negatively impact their revenue streams is unfounded, as Enugu’s regulatory framework does not extend to the wholesale market where GenCos operate.
“The GenCo tariff, as approved by NERC, was duly factored into the EERC’s calculations.” it said.
The Forum also reiterated its open invitation to investors to partner with States in developing robust and efficient electricity markets and expressed commitment to continually ensure that State electricity markets remain viable for investment, stable for operations, and ultimately capable of delivering reliable and affordable power to all citizens.