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The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has issued a fresh 5MW power generation licence to Tempo Power Solutions Ltd to establish a gas-fired plant.
This marks another step toward the state’s vision of energy independence. The development brings the total licensed generation capacity under the EERC to 15MW, following the historic transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state agency on October 22, 2024. Enugu remains the first state in Nigeria to achieve this feat.
At the licence presentation ceremony held Thursday at the EERC headquarters in Enugu, the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the milestone as a strong indicator of the rising investor confidence in Enugu’s electricity market and its increasingly attractive business environment.
“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 license,” Okonkwo said.
“Their project is a model of proactive engagement and strategic partnership. 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.”
Okonkwo credited the progress in the sector to the foundational reforms championed by Governor Peter Mbah through the Enugu State Electricity Policy and the Enugu State Electricity Law, both introduced in 2023.
“Since the transfer of regulatory oversight to EERC, we have issued interim licenses, including an interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited and a 10MW generation license to Fedikore Limited,” he said.
“We’ve also resolved over 60 customer complaints and are reviewing four more license applications across generation, distribution, and retail.”
While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, the EERC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to delivering reliable, accessible, and sustainable electricity across the state through strong stakeholder partnerships.
“Enugu State is open for energy business,” Okonkwo declared. “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.”
He also highlighted improvements in infrastructure, security, and socio-economic policies as key drivers creating a solid foundation for energy investment, many of which will serve as anchor loads for powering underserved and unserved communities.
“Today, we celebrate with Tempo Power Solutions. And soon, we will also celebrate with other licensees whose applications are undergoing review, across generation, distribution and electricity retailing,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Tempo Power’s Executive Director, Mr. Collins Kalabare, praised Governor Mbah and the EERC for creating a transparent and investor-friendly process that prioritises efficiency over bureaucracy.
“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,” Kalabare said.
“EERC is indeed working according to the vision and speed of Governor 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.”
He assured that Tempo Power would deliver reliable and uninterrupted electricity with cost-reflective tariffs designed to stimulate business growth and improve the overall economy of the state.
“As a reputable and responsible company, we will be offering uninterrupted electricity supply, cost reflective tariff, and electricity supply meant to add value to commercial and residential concerns as well as grow businesses and the general economy of the state,” he said.
