In a significant development aimed at enhancing electricity supply in the state, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has granted a 5MW power generation licence to Tempo Power Solutions Ltd for the establishment of a gas-fired plant.
This latest licence issuance brings the total power generation capacity licensed by the EERC to 15MW since the transition of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the EERC on 22 October 2024, marking a pioneering achievement for the state.
During the licence presentation at the EERC office in Enugu on Thursday, Chijioke Okonkwo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, remarked that this milestone demonstrates the increasing confidence that private sector stakeholders and investors have in the Enugu State electricity sector, as well as the conducive environment fostered for electricity businesses to thrive.
“Tempo Power swiftly took advantage of this opportunity offered by the conducive investment climate in Enugu State, engaged an off-taker and successfully completed the application process for the generation licence.
“Their project is a model of proactive engagement and strategic partnership, and the successful deployment of this 5MW power plant is a collective win for all of us. We are confident that as the market grows, Tempo Power will continue to scale up its capacity.
“We acknowledge that this transformation was initiated by the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah through the articulation of the Enugu State Electricity Policy 2023 and the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law also in 2023.
“Since we successfully completed the transfer of regulatory oversight from the national regulator (NERC) to EERC on 22nd October 2024, we have issued interim licences, including an interim distribution licence to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited and a 10MW generation licence to Fedikore Limited.
We have successfully resolved over 60 customer complaint issues and we are equally reviewing four licence applications covering generation, electricity distribution and electricity retail,” Okonkwo stated.
Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, the EERC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders—electricity providers, policymakers, financiers, and communities—to ensure reliable, accessible, and sustainable power throughout the state.
He urged prospective investors to follow Tempo Power’s example and leverage the abundant energy resources in Enugu State, as well as the increasingly business-friendly environment fostered by the Mbah Administration.
“Enugu State is open for energy business. We invite investors and developers to harness the wealth of natural energy resources in the State. The enabling environment fostered by the Government has made investment decisions easier and more attractive.
“Enugu State has witnessed transformative improvements that support electricity sector development, including major upgrades in access roads and infrastructure, enhanced security of lives and property, and targeted socio-economic initiatives. These developments form the bedrock for electricity investment and will serve as anchor loads to extend electricity to our underserved and unserved communities across the State.
“Today, we celebrate with Tempo Power Solutions. And soon, we will also celebrate with other licencees whose applications are undergoing review—across generation, distribution, and retailing of electricity,” Okonkwo concluded.
In his remarks, Mr Collins Kalabare, the Executive Director of Tempo Power, praised Governor Mbah for leading the way in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and commended the EERC for maintaining a professional and transparent system that allows investors to progress efficiently without needing personal connections.
“I must appreciate the EERC for the professional, business-minded and openness of their processes and operations. The process is seamless and you do not need to know anybody.
“EERC is indeed working according to the vision and speed of Gov Peter Mbah, who we have learnt is in a hurry to develop and make Enugu State’s economy grow and uplift the general status of residents and businesses.
“As a reputable and responsible company, we will be offering uninterrupted electricity supply, cost-reflective tariffs, and electricity supply aimed at adding value to commercial and residential needs as well as fostering business growth and the overall economy of the state,” Kalabare stated.
