The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced that four new regulatory bills have been signed into law as part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

The commission explained that the newly enacted laws are designed to dismantle the monopoly of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, which currently oversees power distribution in Anambra State.

The regulatory instruments were formally presented during a ceremony held at the Old Government House in Awka on Tuesday.

The PUNCH reported that speaking at the event, the Chairman of ASERC, Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, stated that the commission is responsible for regulating the Anambra electricity market and ensuring strict compliance with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.

Okafor said, “The signing of these four draft regulations on customer protection, application for licences, investment in the electricity market and business rules represents not merely the conclusion of a regulatory process, but the beginning of a more structured, transparent, and equitable energy landscape for all.

“These regulations have been shaped by months of careful deliberation, expert consultation, and a shared commitment to getting it right.

“They reflect our collective resolve to protect the rights of every consumer, to establish clear and fair licensing frameworks that promote accountability, and to create the conditions necessary to attract sustainable and responsible investment into our electricity market.”

The ASERC chairman noted that the signing of the regulations sends a strong signal to partners, investors and other stakeholders in the electricity industry about the state government’s determination to strengthen Anambra’s economy through reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

He identified the four regulatory instruments signed into law as the Business Rules, Customer Protection Regulation, Licensing Regulation and Investment Regulation.

According to him, the instruments are expected to provide a governance framework for the electricity sector, safeguard the interests of consumers and create an enabling environment capable of attracting investments into the state’s electricity market.

Okafor further appealed for greater collaboration among stakeholders, investors and industry players to enable the commission to effectively carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives for the development of Anambra’s electricity sector.