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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

Akwa Ibom electricity regulator sets deadline for PHED

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) clarified that a recent transfer of electricity market oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) does not immediately change electricity supply or tariffs.
  • The transition is expected to be completed by February 17, 2027, with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc continuing to supply, meter, and bill consumers in the interim.
  • AKSERC will eventually assume responsibility for end-user tariffs and consumer protection, while NERC retains oversight of cross-border transactions and national grid activities.

The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) has issued a clarification regarding the recent transfer of electricity market oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Contrary to potential public assumptions, the commission emphasized that this regulatory shift does not signal an immediate alteration in electricity supply or consumer tariffs.

Your electricity distribution company will not change for now. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc continues to supply, meter and bill customers in Akwa Ibom State.

— AKSERCClarifying that PHED remains the electricity provider during the transition period.

The transfer order, effective August 18, marks the commencement of a transition period slated for completion by February 17, 2027. During this phase, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc will maintain its role in supplying, metering, and billing electricity consumers across Akwa Ibom. Existing customer accounts, meters, and payment channels will remain valid.

AKSERC stated that while PHED continues its operations, the NERC order mandates PHED to establish a subsidiary for electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom by October 17, 2026. This subsidiary will eventually apply to AKSERC for a license to operate within the state. The transition involves identifying and separating the Akwa Ibom electricity network, installing boundary metering, and transferring relevant assets, liabilities, contracts, and employees to the new subsidiary.

Tariffs are unchanged for now. The order alters no tariff.

— AKSERCAddressing concerns about immediate changes to electricity prices.

Ultimately, AKSERC will assume responsibility for end-user tariffs, customer complaints, dispute resolution, and consumer protection within the state. NERC, however, will retain oversight of cross-border electricity transactions and national grid-related activities. The commission assured residents that tariffs remain unchanged for now, and any future adjustments will follow a formal regulatory process, including public consultations.

Any future review of end-user tariffs will be undertaken by AKSERC and will follow due regulatory process.

— AKSERCExplaining the process for future tariff adjustments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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