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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC), Bede Opara, has said the Commission has zero tolerance for sharp practice, as its major assignment is to provide a conducive environment that would attract investors in the electricity market.
He disclosed that the commission has received not less than 245 complaints from customers against the electricity distribution company, and that the commission has also been able to resolve 115 cases between July 2024 and September 2025.
The ISERC chairman who spoke at the commemoration of World Energy Day 2025 in Owerri, yesterday, said the complaints centred on billings and lack of metres.
“We want to make sure that you pay for what you consume. We don’t want anybody to cheat anybody.
“ISERC is there to take care of your complaints, but if you consume one unit and you’re given a bill for 10 units, let the commission know.
“Beyond complaints, we are making sure that the consumer does not shortchange the electricity provider and that the provider does not shortchange the consumer, especially in the area of billing and tariff.”
The chairman reaffirmed the commission’s dedication towards facilitating a commercially viable, sustainable, efficient, affordable and reliable electricity market in the state.
“We are also aware that transitioning to renewable energy like solar and wind reduces environmental impact and aligns with global sustainability goals.”
He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his leadership role and as well thanked partners for their commitment in shaping the energy landscape of the state.
Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Owerri North state Constituency, Mr Kelechi Ofurum, lauded the partnership between the legislature and the executive arms of government in the electricity sector.
He noted that the partnership gave rise to the ISERC.
“Energy sector is vital to the growth and development of the state. We are also working optimally to ensure that communities still battling with electricity issues start to enjoy power as we did recently in some parts of Ngor-Okpala.” Ofurum pledged more legislative support needed to boost the commission’s efforts, especially in the area of renewable energy.
In a keynote address, Director, Spaces for Change, a non-governmental organisation, Dr. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, emphasised the new energy landscape in the country and the transition from fossil fuel to renewable clean energy as well as their benefits for Imo.
She charged ISERC to fashion out ways on how Imo could benefit from the large natural gas deposit as well as renewable energy sources in the state.
Delivering a lecture entitled “Understanding the dynamics of positioning Imo electricity market for renewable energy”, an energy expert, Prof. Sabbas Asoegwu, underscored the importance of awareness in the use of renewable energy.
Asoegwu highlighted some of the challenges in the power sector to include power generation and sustainability in the electricity value chain.
He listed lack of diversity in the country’s energy mix and overdependence on non-renewable sources as some other challenges facing the sector.
He stressed the need to integrate renewable energy through solar, biomass and small hydropower as vital solutions for closing the electricity gap in the country.
