In a bid to legalize operational services in the distribution of Electricity, Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued licence to FirstPower Distribution Company Limited as its Subsidiary.
The event which took place on 27th November 2025 at Awka, Anambra State capital witnessed presence of
the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the Commissioners of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, led by Prof Charles Ononuju Ofoegbu, MD FirstPower Executive team, the EEDC Team, Esteemed partners, and the media.
Speaking during his opening remark, the Managing Director EEDC, Engr. Praveen Chorghade represented by Engr Dr Ernest Mupwaya said the issuance of operating licence being conferred by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Firstpower marks an important milestone in a transition that will ultimately deliver a vibrant, competitive and dynamic electricity market in Anambra State. “Anambra State is open for electricity investment, open for innovation and open for accelerated progress. EEDC and First Power remain committed to deepening our partnership with Anambra State. We are determined to invest in infrastructure, deploy technology that enhances efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and support the emergence of a resilient and future-ready electricity market. Our objective is to ensure that the people and businesses of Anambra enjoy reliable, affordable and sustainable power that drives economic prosperity and social wellbeing”.
He disclosed that FirstPower as EEDC subsidiary is responsible for distribution activities within Anambra State, although operated under the NERC licence issued to EEDC.
Engr Mupwaya maintained that the reforms introduced by the Electricity Act of 2023 have fundamentally reshaped the structure, governance, and future growth trajectory of our sector. “For the first time, states have been empowered to craft regulatory frameworks, electricity laws, policies and market structures tailored to the specific needs of their geographies. This bold decentralisation has ignited a wave of innovation across the country, and Anambra State has emerged as one of the leading examples of strategic, deliberate and visionary implementation”.
He however, assured that EEDC and FirstPower are fully aligned with the state’s development aspirations.The reforms being implemented have created enabling conditions for accelerated investment, network expansion, improved customer service and modernisation of the electricity 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 also confirmed that FirstPower is ready to operate as a fully licensed entity under the state’s regulatory framework while continuing to uphold the highest standards of service delivery, safety, environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
Speaking during the issuance of licence to FPEDC, ANSERC Chairman, Prof Frank Okafor said it as the resolution were reached to issues interim licences to companies licenced by NERC and currently operational in the state in order to legalise their operations in the state in line with the provision of the Anambra State Electricty Law (ANEL).
According to the ANSERC Boss, “one such delicate operator is the First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC) and consequently the commission has deemed it expedient to legalise its operations in the state by the issuance of an interim licence.”
While ensuring that the Electricity Business in Anambra state has commenced, thanked Governor Soludo for Inaugrating five Commissioners to man the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ANSERC) that oversee the activities of the electricity laws.
“We equally want to assure Ndi Anambra that with this new development, electricity supply during this yelitude will be made available and enjoying”.
Earlier in his reaction, Managing Director Firstpower Electricity Distribution Company Okechukwu Okafor, said the licensing was to formalise the company’s presence and inform stakeholders that this is no longer EEDC in charge but an independent body saddled with the responsibility of distributing electricity in Anambra. “We are going to partner with the industrialists, the state government, and Ndi Anambra so that they will understand that our presence is geared towards a better solution to electricity. We want to change the narrative and target the customers to be happy. We need to take the message to them, provided there is goodwill. We hope that by the end of 2027, the billing rights of the customer will be metered for easy accountability.
Meanwhile, some Distinguished officials present were Vice Chairman of ANSERC who, Engr Nwokoye who discussed on the technical terms and conditions of getting a licence while Dr Ewelukwa spoke on the economic terms and conditions.
Picture taking formed highlight of the event.
