By Sylvia Kodilichukwu Enugu
Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has issued an electricity generation license to a firm, Tempo Power Solutions Ltd., for a five megawatt gas-fired power generation plant to be sited in the South-East Nigerian state.
The cheery news is coming several months after Aba, the South-East commercial-industrial hub, in Abia state, got lit up by another firm, Geometric Power, which has reportedly been providing 24-hour uninterrupted power supply.
The Enugu electricity generating plant, which would be first of its kind in use of modern technology, would serve commercial and residential concerns within Enugu metropolis, with a possibility of expansion.
Issuing the license on Thursday, April 10, in Enugu, the Chairman of EERC, Mr Chijioke Okonkwo, said that the event reflects growing confidence that private sector players have in the Governor Peter Mbah vision of creating conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Okonkwo said: “We acknowledge that this transformation was initiated by visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, through the Enugu State Electricity Policy 2023 and enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law in 2023.
“Following a six-month transition period, we successfully completed the transfer of regulatory oversight from the national regulator, NERC, to EERC on October 22, 2024.
“Since then, we have issued interim licenses to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited and a 10MW (10 megawatt) power generation license to Fedikore Limited; currently working with stakeholders to explore the vast opportunities within the Enugu State electricity sector.
“EERC has successfully resolved
over 60 customer complaint issues. We are reviewing four license applications covering
generation, electricity distribution and electricity retail.”
He noted that “it is clear Enugu State is open for energy business,” adding that EERC seeks that investors and developers as well as stakeholders in the electricity business harness the wealth of natural energy resources in the state.
“Our development-focused governor had invested heavily on security of lives and property; invested heavily in network of access roads; solid regulatory framework and doing more to ensure that the state attracts high networth individuals and businesses,” he noted.
The Chairman lauded Tempo Power Solutions for swiftly taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the conducive investment climate in the state, engaged an offtaker and successfully completed the application process for the generation license.
“Their project is a model of proactive engagement and strategic partnership, and the successful deployment of this five megawatt (5mw) power plant is a collective win for all of us.
“We are confident that as the market grows, Tempo Power Solutions will continue to scale up its capacity,” he said.
Responding, Exective Director of Tempo Power Solutions Limited, Mr Collins Kalabare, appreciated the government and people of Enugu State for envisioning and seeking rapid development by embracing uninterrupted power supply.
“As a reputable and responsible company, we are offering uninterrupted electricity supply, cost-reflective tariff and electricity supply meant to add value to commercial and residential concerns as well as grow businesses and general economy of the state.
“I must appreciate the EERC for the professional, business-minded and openness of their processes and operations. The process is seamless and you do not need to know anybody.
“EERC is indeed working according to the vision and speed of Governor Peter Mbah, who, we have learnt, is in a hurry to develop and make Enugu State economy grow and uplift the general status of residents and businesses,” he said.
