The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially approved the transfer of electricity market regulatory oversight for Gombe State to the newly established Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC). This significant shift, detailed in the Electricity Act 2023, marks a new era for power regulation within the state, moving from federal control to a localized body. The Electricity Act 2023 allows states to establish and regulate their own intrastate electricity markets, provided they formally notify NERC and meet specific conditions. Gombe State has successfully fulfilled these prerequisites, leading to the transfer of authority over its electricity operations. This means that GOSERC will now be the primary body responsible for overseeing the electricity sector within Gombe’s borders, impacting local generation, transmission, and distribution. What is the key implication of NERC transferring regulatory oversight to Gombe? The primary implication is that Gombe State will now have direct control over its intrastate electricity market, enabling more localized policy-making and potentially faster responses to local energy needs and challenges. NERC, as the central regulator, will continue to maintain oversight on inter-state and international aspects of the electricity market, including generation, transmission, supply, trading, and system operations that cross state lines. The circular issued by NERC also includes specific directives for the transition. Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has been instructed to incorporate a subsidiary, to be known as JED SubCo. This subsidiary will be solely responsible for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity within Gombe State, operating under the new GOSERC framework. JED has a strict deadline to complete the incorporation of JED SubCo, with the directive specifying completion within 60 days from January 7, 2026. Following its incorporation, JED SubCo will be required to apply for and obtain the necessary license for its intrastate electricity supply and distribution operations from GOSERC. This ensures that the new entity operates with the full legal backing of the state regulator. All anticipated transfers related to this regulatory shift are scheduled to be finalized by July 6, 2026, marking a complete transition of power market oversight to Gombe. This move is expected to foster greater accountability and responsiveness to the specific energy demands of Gombe State residents and businesses. The establishment of GOSERC and the subsequent transfer of regulatory powers signify a decentralization trend within Nigeria’s power sector. It is anticipated that this localized approach will lead to more tailored solutions for improving electricity access and reliability within Gombe. The cooperation between NERC and GOSERC will be crucial for a seamless transition and continued stability in the state’s power supply. Residents of Gombe can anticipate a more direct channel for addressing electricity-related concerns and contributing to the development of their local energy infrastructure. This regulatory shift is a pivotal moment for Gombe State’s energy future.
