The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) is the independent regulatory authority established under Part II, Section 4 of the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025.

It regulates electricity generation, transmission, system operation, distribution, supply, and trading within Anambra State. ASERC issues licenses, sets tariffs, protects consumers, enforces technical standards, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes competition and investment in the State’s electricity market.

ASERC was established to implement the Electricity Act, 2023, which empowers States to regulate electricity within their borders.

The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of the Executive Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, enacted the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025 to decentralize power sector governance and ensure reliable, safe, and affordable electricity for citizens, industries, and institutions.

ASERC regulates all intra-state electricity activities—that is, electricity generation, transmission, and distribution that occur wholly within Anambra State. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) continues to regulate interstate and national grid-related activities.

Once NERC formally transfers oversight for intra-state operations to ASERC (as provided under Section 230 of the Electricity Act, 2023), all electricity companies operating solely within Anambra will come under ASERC’s regulation.

ASERC is independent but accountable to the Governor of Anambra State in the implementation of its mandate. Under the law, its financial statements are subject to annual external audits.

It is also required to submit an annual report of its activities to the Governor, with a copy to the Anambra State House of Assembly, and to publish the report for the public to view.

Under Section 12 of the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025, ASERC’s key functions include:

• Licensing and regulating all electricity operators in the State.
• Determining tariffs for generation, transmission, and distribution.
• Ensuring consumer protection and fair service.
• Enforcing safety, technical, and environmental standards.
• Promoting renewable energy and private sector participation.
• Resolving disputes among licensees or between licensees and consumers.
• Collecting and publishing data and market reports.
• Advising the State Government on electricity policy and planning.

Any company or cooperative registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) that intends to operate in:

• Generation (Independent Power Producers, embedded plants, renewables)
• Transmission (Independent Electricity Transmission Networks)
• System Operation
• Distribution and Supply (DisCos, mini-grids, franchisees, cooperatives)
• Trading (bulk or retail electricity sales)

must obtain the appropriate license from ASERC.

Yes. Under Section 33(3), certain small-scale operations may operate without a license, such as:

• Mini-grids below 1MW generation capacity or 100 kW distribution capacity.
• Captive power plants generating electricity solely for own use, or renewable/off-grid developers serving specific communities provided the generation capacity is below 1MW.
• Electrical contractors and technicians licensed through ASEMA.
• Meter Service Providers.

Applications must be submitted through the ASERC Licensing Portal or physically at the Commission’s office.

Applicants will need to:

1. Complete the prescribed application form.
2. Attach all required documentation (company incorporation, project details, technical and financial capacity, etc.).
3. Pay the applicable fees.
4. Publish a notice of application in at least two newspapers (as required under Section 41(2)).
5. Respond to any objections or clarifications.

ASERC must reach a decision within three (3) months of receiving a complete application and any requested clarifications.

License validity depends on the category and terms set by ASERC under Section 42(10).

No license may be transferred, assigned, franchised, or merged without ASERC’s prior written consent under Section 40. Unauthorized transfers or mergers are violations that attract sanctions and potential revocation.

Yes. Under Sections 45–47, ASERC may suspend or revoke a license for:

• Persistent non-compliance with license conditions.
• Financial insolvency or failure to perform obligations.
• Health, safety, or environmental violations.
• Fraudulent or misleading applications.

Before revocation, the licensee will be notified and given an opportunity to be heard.

ASERC enforces service quality, billing transparency, and fair pricing. Key protections include:

• Right to a standard meter and accurate billing.
• Right to file complaints and receive timely resolution.
• Protection from arbitrary disconnection.
• Access to lifeline tariffs for low-income consumers.
• Participation in public hearings on tariff reviews or policy changes.

1. First, report to your service provider (e.g., distribution company or franchise operator).
2. If unresolved within the timeframe specified by ASERC, escalate to ASERC by completing and submitting the Contact Form on our website. You can also reach us using the email address: info@aserc.anambrastate.gov.ng. We will revert promptly upon receiving your complaint.

A lifeline tariff (Section 2) is a subsidized electricity rate approved by ASERC for vulnerable or low-income consumers. It ensures affordability by allowing limited electricity use at a lower rate, cross-subsidized by higher-paying customer categories.

Tariffs are determined by ASERC using approved tariff methodologies under Section 12(k). The process considers:

• Cost of generation, transmission, and distribution.
• Reasonable rate of return for investors.
• Efficiency incentives.
• Social and economic conditions of the State.

Tariff reviews are subject to public hearings and stakeholder consultation.

Under Part VII (Sections 71–75), the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) is a social intervention fund that will be managed by ASERC. It provides subsidies to support underprivileged consumers and ensures equitable access to electricity.

Funds are raised through contributions from eligible customers, licensees, and State budgetary allocations.

The Anambra State Electricity Management Agency (ASEMA), established under Part V, enforces all technical, safety, and inspection standards under ASERC’s regulatory supervision.

ASEMA ensures compliance with approved codes, standards, and specifications for all electrical installations, networks, and equipment in the State.

All licensees must:

• Comply with ASERC’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) codes.
• Use approved materials and qualified personnel.
• Report accidents and cooperate in investigations.
• Maintain operational records and safety audits.

Violations attract penalties, fines, or license suspension.

Any construction of new substations, transmission lines, or distribution networks must be approved by ASERC to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Applicants must submit engineering designs, environmental impact assessments, and technical feasibility studies for review.

ASERC may:

• Issue enforcement orders (cease and desist) or penalties for default.
• Suspend or revoke licenses.
• Publish the violation publicly (“name & shame”).
• Refer the matter for prosecution.

Pursuant to Section 82 of the Anambra State Electricity Law 2025, ASERC is required to take steps to facilitate the amicable and expeditious resolution of electricity market disputes. Detailed procedures will be provided for actualizing this.

Yes. The Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025 prescribes penalties for offences including:

• Theft of electricity or electrical materials (Sections 55–57).
• Meter tampering or bypass (Section 58).
• Disruption of power supply (Section 60).
• Obstruction of officials (Section 67).

Penalties range from fines to imprisonment and forfeiture of assets.

Yes. The Law encourages private sector participation in all parts of the electricity value chain. Investors may apply for licenses to develop power plants, networks, mini-grids, or renewable projects.

ASERC ensures a level playing field and protects investors’ legitimate interests (Section 80).

Absolutely. ASERC promotes the generation and use of renewable energy such as solar, hydro, biomass, and wind (Sections 12(f) and 33). The Commission supports policies for renewable purchase obligations, incentives, and grid connectivity for clean energy projects.

Under Section 79, ASERC ensures that the Anambra power sector prioritizes local participation, skills development, and indigenous businesses in contracts, manufacturing, and technical services.

All official documents—laws, regulations, orders, and tariff decisions—will be published on the ASERC full-service online portal, as mandated under Section 19.

The portal will also host performance data, application forms, and consultation notices.

You can reach ASERC through:

• Head Office: [Insert physical address]
• Email: [Insert email address]
• Phone: [Insert contact number]
• Website: [Insert official website URL]
• Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Yes. Under Section 78(3)–(4), ASERC must consult with licensees, consumers, and stakeholders before issuing regulations or tariff orders. Public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and consultation papers will be open to all interested parties.

While NERC regulates electricity at the national level (interstate and grid-connected operations), ASERC focuses exclusively on Anambra’s intra-state electricity market—bringing regulation closer to the people and enabling faster, localized solutions.

All ASERC decisions, directives, and orders must be in writing and published under Section 22. The Commission operates on the principles of openness, fairness, and accountability to earn public confidence and trust.

ASERC, which was established pursuant to the Anambra State Electricity Law 2025, officially commenced operations on October 9, 2025, following its inauguration by the Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR. This marked a new era in decentralized electricity governance in Anambra State.

Visit the News & Updates section of the ASERC website or subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest information on tariff reviews, consultations, licensing opportunities, and consumer initiatives.