Gombe State Assumes Control of Electricity Market Regulation

In a significant shift toward energy autonomy, Gombe State has taken over the regulation of its power sector from the federal government.

The transfer from NERC to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission follows the state’s alignment with the Electricity Act 2023.

Under these new legal frameworks, Gombe now holds the power to independently manage the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the state.

With the transition, the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission will now oversee intrastate electricity activities, while the Federal Government retains control of interstate transmission and the national grid.

As part of the process, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the appointment of Dr. Usman Abba Arabi as Chairman of the commission.

The appointment is intended to support the effective take off of the new regulatory body.

The new framework is also expected to improve coordination of electricity projects and create room for additional investment in the power sector.

In recent years, Gombe State has implemented several electricity related projects, including solar mini grid installations in rural communities through partnerships with the Rural Electrification Agency.

The projects are aimed at expanding access to electricity for households, small businesses and public facilities.

Construction is also ongoing on a 7.5MVA injection substation at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

The substation is intended to provide power supply to industries operating within the park.

The state government has also disclosed plans for a proposed 100 megawatt solar power project in collaboration with a Chinese firm, with discussions ongoing on financing and implementation.

In addition, solar powered streetlights have been installed in parts of Gombe metropolis and across some local government headquarters, while selected health facilities have been equipped with solar energy systems.

The assumption of regulatory control places Gombe among states implementing the decentralised electricity framework introduced under Nigeria’s power sector reforms.