The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) has clarified that Wednesday’s transfer of electricity market oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state does not mean an immediate change in electricity supply or tariffs.
The commission said the transfer order marks the beginning of a transition expected to be completed by 17 February 2027.
The statement, signed by AKSERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arit Uya, was posted on the commission’s Facebook page on Thursday.
PHED remains electricity provider
According to the commission, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc will continue to supply, meter and bill electricity consumers in Akwa Ibom during the transition.
“Your electricity distribution company will not change for now. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc continues to supply, meter and bill customers in Akwa Ibom State,” AKSERC said.
It added that existing customer accounts, meters and payment channels remain valid.
The clarification follows an order by NERC transferring regulatory oversight of the Akwa Ibom electricity market to AKSERC, effective 18 August. The order directed PHED to incorporate a subsidiary for electricity supply and distribution in the state and complete the transfer of relevant assets, liabilities, contracts and employees by 17 February 2027.
NERC said AKSERC would eventually assume responsibility for end-user tariffs, customer complaints, dispute resolution and consumer protection within the state. At the same time, NERC would retain oversight of cross-border electricity transactions and national-grid-related activities.
No immediate tariff increase
AKSERC also said the NERC order does not alter electricity tariffs in the state.
“Tariffs are unchanged for now. The order alters no tariff,” the commission said.
It explained that any future review of end-user tariffs would be conducted by AKSERC through a regulatory process, including a comprehensive review of tariff costs and public consultations.
“Any future review of end-user tariffs will be undertaken by AKSERC and will follow due regulatory process,” it said.
The commission urged customers to continue directing electricity supply, billing and metering complaints to PHED in the first instance.
PHED given October deadline
AKSERC said PHED is required to incorporate a subsidiary for Akwa Ibom by 17 October 2026 and apply to the state commission for a licence to supply and distribute electricity within the state.
During the transition, the Akwa Ibom electricity network will be identified and separated, with boundary metering installed at appropriate points.
PHED will also be required to transfer assets, liabilities, contracts and employees attributable to its Akwa Ibom operations to the new subsidiary.
AKSERC and NERC, the commission said, will work together to ensure a seamless transfer of regulatory authority, which must be completed by 17 February 2027.
NERC retains some responsibilities
AKSERC said NERC will retain regulatory responsibility for the Akwa Ibom intrastate electricity market until the transfer is completed.
“Section 230 (7) of the Electricity Act, 2023 provides that NERC ceases to have regulatory responsibility only on completion of the transfers,” it said.
However, NERC will continue regulating cross-border and interstate electricity transactions after the transfer, while AKSERC and other state electricity regulators are required to cooperate with the federal commission to minimise regulatory risks across the electricity market.
The transfer follows Akwa Ibom State’s efforts to establish a sub-national electricity market under the Electricity Act 2023. The state enacted its electricity law in 2025 and established AKSERC, whose pioneer board was inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno in June 2026.
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