BY AZUKA OFFOR
The Managing Director of First Power Electricity Distribution Company, Okechukwu Okafor, has participated in a public consultation organized by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission on draft electricity regulations aimed at shaping the state’s emerging power market.
The consultation, held in Anambra State, brought together electricity consumers, community leaders, and government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Victor Ezekwo.
The forum focused on deliberating the proposed regulatory framework and addressing key issues affecting electricity supply and distribution in the state.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Okafor clarified concerns surrounding estimated billing, energy loses, and ongoing reforms in the power sector. He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to improve service delivery and ensure a more efficient electricity market.
Also addressing participants, the Coordinator of the Electricity Consumers Rights Network, Osita Obi, stressed that consumers have the right to reliable electricity supply for services paid for. He noted that estimated billing remains a major source of conflict between consumers and distribution companies.
In his remarks, the ASERC Executive Commissioner in charge of Consumer Affairs, Planning, Regulation, and Strategy, Nosike Emmanuel, highlighted the commission’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency. He added that consumers have rights concerning issues such as energy losses, theft, generation and transmission challenges, vandalism, and the high cost of electricity, as well as report any abnormalities to them for immediate concern.
Consumers at the forum strongly rejected the practice of estimated billing, calling on both the state distribution company and First Power to accelerate the installation of prepaid meters in households. They argued that this would eliminate billing discrepancies and curb exploitation associated with estimated charges.
The consultation forms part of ongoing efforts by ASERC to develop a robust regulatory framework that will enhance efficiency, accountability, and sustainability in Anambra State’s electricity sector.
Azuka is of the Ministry of Information Anambra State
