Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) has issued an operational licence to First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC), authorizing it to distribute electricity across the state.
ASERC Chairman/CEO, Prof. Frank Okafor, presented the interim licence to the company on Thursday in Awka, saying the move aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and driving industrialization in Anambra.
He recalled that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had earlier transferred regulatory oversight of the state’s electricity market to ASERC, following the October 9, 2025 inauguration of the five commissioners of the state regulatory body.
Okafor explained that under the 2025 Anambra State Electricity Law, only companies licensed by ASERC can operate in the state’s electricity market. However, he noted that certain entities already providing services could not be abruptly halted due to licensing transitions, hence the issuance of interim licences.
“After due consideration, the Commission resolved to issue interim licences to companies previously licensed by NERC and currently operational in the state, to legalize their activities in line with the law. One such operator is First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited,” he stated.
Receiving the certificate, Dr Ernest Mupwaya of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) commended the Electricity Act 2023 for transforming Nigeria’s power sector by empowering states to establish their own regulatory frameworks.
He lauded Anambra for taking the lead in implementing the reforms, with FirstPower—an EEDC subsidiary—now licensed by ASERC. Mupwaya credited the achievement to strong stakeholder collaboration, including the development of key instruments such as the State Electricity Law and Policy.
Describing the transition as “a model of constructive engagement, technical depth, and transparent coordination,” he said it has set the stage for a competitive electricity market in the state.
Mupwaya added that EEDC and FirstPower are fully aligned with Anambra’s development agenda, noting that ongoing reforms are enabling increased investment, network expansion, improved customer service, and modernization of the power value chain.
“Our growth plans for FirstPower are deliberately structured to complement the state’s industrialisation agenda, urban expansion, agricultural development and SME competitiveness,” he said.
He assured that the company will exceed the expectations of both the state government and the people of Anambra.
