The Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) has made it clear that the transfer of electricity market oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday does not mean an immediate change in power supply or electricity prices.
The commission stated that this transfer marks the start of a transition that is expected to finish by 17 February 2027.
Arit Uya, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AKSERC, shared this information on the commission’s Facebook page on Thursday.
PHED Stays as Electricity Supplier
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) Plc will still supply, meter, and bill electricity users in Akwa Ibom during this 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 also mentioned that existing customer accounts, meters, and payment methods will remain valid.
This clarification comes after an order from NERC transferring the oversight of the Akwa Ibom electricity market to AKSERC, effective 18 August. NERC directed PHED to create a subsidiary for electricity supply and distribution in the state. The transfer of relevant assets, liabilities, contracts, and employees must be done by 17 February 2027.
NERC stated that AKSERC would eventually take charge of end-user tariffs, customer complaints, dispute resolution, and consumer protection within the state. Meanwhile, NERC will still oversee cross-border electricity transactions and national-grid-related activities.
No Immediate Increase in Tariffs
AKSERC also confirmed that the NERC order does not change electricity prices in the state.
“Tariffs are unchanged for now. The order alters no tariff,” the commission said.
It explained that any future changes in electricity prices will be handled by AKSERC through a regulatory process, which includes a 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 any complaints about electricity supply, billing, and metering to PHED first.
PHED Must Meet October Deadline
AKSERC said that PHED must set up a subsidiary for Akwa Ibom by 17 October 2026. They also need to apply to the state commission for a license to supply and distribute electricity within the state.
During this transition, the Akwa Ibom electricity network will be marked and separated, with boundary metering installed at necessary points.
PHED will also need to transfer assets, liabilities, contracts, and employees that are linked to its Akwa Ibom operations to the new subsidiary.
AKSERC and NERC stated that they will work together to ensure a smooth transfer of regulatory authority, which must be completed by 17 February 2027.
NERC Keeps Some Responsibilities
AKSERC noted that NERC will still have regulatory responsibility for the Akwa Ibom intrastate electricity market until the transfer is complete.
“Section 230 (7) of the Electricity Act, 2023 states that NERC ceases to have regulatory responsibility only on completion of the transfers,” it said.
However, NERC will continue to regulate cross-border and interstate electricity transactions after the transfer. AKSERC and other state electricity regulators must work with the federal commission to reduce regulatory risks across the electricity market.
This transfer is part of Akwa Ibom State’s efforts to create a sub-national electricity market under the Electricity Act 2023. The state passed its electricity law in 2025 and set up AKSERC, whose first board was inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno in June 2026.
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