The newly appointed chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),Sam Amadi, yesterday pledged a fresh beginning in the effort to transform the agency into a world class power sector regulator.
Mr Amadi, who spoke shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the reconstituted Commission, said NERC has entered a new threshold with the singular mission to ensure the realisation of the present administration’s vision in the power sector “With the inauguration of fresh commissioners, the purpose for establishing NERC by government would be realised, and Nigerians would have access to safe and reliable supply of electricity,” Mr Amadi said.
“The Commission intends to reset its mission and vision to build on its reputation to become a world class regulator. The operating value will be that of work and value addition,” he said.
While thanking the former interim administration for keeping hope alive in spite of avoidable crisis in the past two years, which, he noted, affected the confidence of Nigerians in the Commission.
He said “We have entered a new threshold. We have to close the past chapter and move forward, though we will be firm, incisive and fair in the management of the Commission.” He assured that the new Commissioners have come with a clear mind to work with all the staff and to do their best, as they all have put their credibility on line, adding that “We will not lose our credibility. This place must be a first class regulatory agency. We are prepared to make sacrifice towards achieving that mandate.”
“I did my best”
The former Sole Administrator, Imamudeen Talba, had said earlier that despite many uncertainties and challenges he did his best to steer the affairs of the Commission since February 2009 when the Ransom Owan-led administration was removed under controversial circumstances.
Mr Talba said the strategic focus of his tenure was to improve private sector participation by removing critical industry barriers as well as ensure effective regulation, which resulted in the development of a regulatory framework for both embedded generation and independent electricity distribution networks as well as for independent electricity transmission networks and renewable power generation.
Mr Talba added that he was able to carry out a major review of the multi-year tariff order to ensure cost effectiveness; develop tariffs for coal powered plants and feed-in tariffs for renewable energy generation; development of energy efficiency and demand side management, as well as an incentive package for the power sector.
Apart from funding constraints, he accused some of the collaborating government agencies, including the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Presidential Task Force on Power as well as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), for undue interference, by refusing to consult the Commission for its input.
Besides, he said successor companies have not been responsive in their reporting obligations contained in the terms and conditions of their licenses, while the Commission has remained handicapped in enforcing these regulations, as these companies remain largely government-owned.
Source:http://234next.com/
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