The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged to collaborate with the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) to develop market frameworks aimed at improving electricity supply in the state.
The commitment was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, Abdu Bello Mohammed, when the management of GOSERC visited the organisation’s headquarters in Utako, Abuja.
Mohammed congratulated members of the state commission on their appointments and commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for establishing the electricity regulatory commission.
READ ALSO: NISO Boss Advocates Urgent Adoption of Cost-Reflective Tariffs
He described Gombe as a commercial hub in the North-East, noting that the state’s industrial and economic activities require increased access to electricity.
According to Mohammed, NISO is prepared to support Gombe State in developing a viable business model that will enable it to access more electricity and strengthen its power market.
He noted that although Gombe has the capacity to receive up to 200 megawatts of electricity, it currently receives only about 30 megawatts from the national grid.
The NISO Chief Executive Officer said the development of an industrial park by the state government further underscores the need for improved electricity supply.
He assured the commission that NISO would work closely with it to explore ways of meeting the state’s growing energy demands.
Mohammed also advised GOSERC to regard Sabana, the electricity distribution company licensed to operate in the state, as a partner rather than a competitor.
“Stronger cooperation with the utility would improve revenue generation and the overall performance of the state’s electricity market,” the Managing Director stressed.
He further noted that Gombe possesses significant power generation potential, including coal resources, and assured the commission of NISO’s readiness to provide on-the-job training in various aspects of electricity market operations.
Earlier, the Chairman of GOSERC, Dr Usman Abba Arabi, said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration with NISO to increase electricity supply to the state.
Arabi disclosed that Gombe currently receives about 30 megawatts of electricity despite having the capacity and demand for up to 200 megawatts.
He said the state government had mandated the commission to work towards improving electricity supply across the state.
According to him, about 30 mini-grids are already being developed across Gombe State to expand access to electricity.
Arabi, however, stressed the need for collaboration with NISO to ensure the seamless integration of the mini-grids into the wider electricity market.
Also speaking, NISO Executive Director, Market Operations, Edmond Eje, urged GOSERC to ensure that all licensed distribution companies operating in the state register with NISO as market participants because of their interface with the national grid.
For his part, NISO Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Babajide Ibironke, assured the commission of the organisation’s open-door policy and continued engagement with sub-national electricity regulators.
He said such collaboration is essential for strengthening electricity supply and supporting the development of Nigeria’s evolving electricity market.
