By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has clarified that it is still in existence amid claims rounds that the company has ceased to exist following the licensing of its subsidiary company, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).

It could be recalled that earlier in the week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, finally handed over regulatory power to the EERC.

With the development, Mainpower took over the electricity distribution operations in Enugu State after it was presented with an interim operating license to distribute electricity in Enugu State by EERC.

The takeover of Mainpower has generated so much confusion and misconception in public space.

Reacting to an inquiry by journalists on Friday on the matter, the spokesperson of EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, said the company still exists.

Ezeh said it was necessary to allay the fears and concerns expressed by its esteemed customers, vendors, service providers, and other stakeholders.

When asked by a team of journalists about the status of the EEDC, he said, “The EEDC remains a holding company to Mainpower. It is still carrying out electricity distribution operations in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States.

“So, we are using this opportunity to appeal to electricity customers in Enugu State, served by Mainpower (a subsidiary company of EEDC), to remain calm as the company remains committed to continuing with the operations of electricity service delivery in Enugu State in an efficient and accountable manner.”

He added that, “with the approval of the Electricity Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, states are now able to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their geographical areas.

“So, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) no longer has the regulatory and oversight rights, but now the state-owned regulatory commission, Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).”

This comes as the Enugu State Government sets up its own regulatory framework to regulate the electricity market and issue operating licenses to potential investors interested in doing business in the state in line with the Electricity Act 2023.