Anambra Leads Southeast In Electricity Reform – Environment Commissioner

Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, in a great move towards enhancing electricity access in Anambra State, affirmed that Anambra is at the forefront of leveraging the Electricity Act 2023, “This legislation empowers sub-national entities to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, as discussed during the recent Southeast Stakeholders Meeting on implementing the Act.”

Speaking at the one-day Stakeholders Engagement Advocacy on the Electricity Act 2023, organized by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association-Alliance (REEEA-A), at the Executive Chambers of the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Imo State, Dr. Odimegwu emphasized the critical role of environmental sustainability in developing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.

 

He noted that these alternatives are essential for addressing the ongoing electricity deficit, which has adversely affected the delivery of vital services and economic opportunities for the population.

 

Highlighting concrete progress, Dr. Odimegwu revealed that Anambra has transitioned approximately 27,000 streetlights from diesel to solar power since 2022.

 

He also mentioned that key facilities, including the state secretariat and court buildings, have adopted mini-grid solar power systems.

Additionally, he announced that the Anambra Electricity Power Bill has been submitted to the State House of Assembly and is awaiting passage into law.

 

“This framework aims to deploy off-grid renewable energy solutions, particularly targeting underserved communities across the state.”

Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti, the Commissioner for Power and Electrification in Imo State, represented Governor Hope Uzodimma at the event. He called for immediate action to capitalize on the Electricity Act 2023 and the recent constitutional amendment, which allows sub-national governments to engage fully in the electricity sector’s value chain.

 

He encouraged stakeholders to devise a framework that establishes policies for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to foster a more robust power sector, encompassing off-grid renewable energy solutions.

 

In his closing remarks, Engr. Stanley Okoli, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Electrification in Imo State, expressed gratitude to participants and urged them to utilize the Electricity Act 2023 to formulate policies that enhance renewable energy integration.

He underscored the potential of renewable energy as a sustainable alternative to address electricity supply challenges and promote a thriving carbon market.

 

Other notable attendees included Barr. Emenike Ejikeme Chuks Major, the Commissioner of Environment and Sanitation for Imo State; Prof. Magnus Chidi Onuoha, President of the Governing Council of REEEA-A; Barr. Uloaku Ndubuisi, who represented the Attorney General of Abia State; and Barr. Aruoture Akpofure, among other dignitaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi