Delta State Creates Independent Electricity Market To Tackle Power Outages

The Delta State Government has approved the formation of its electricity market to optimise the generation, distribution and regulation of electricity across the state.

The move, adopted by the state executive council on Tuesday, enables independent operators to provide end-to-end power services across designated zones.

The council’s approval of the Delta State Electricity market decentralises the previous grid model, thereby adopting a mini-grid system approach for flexibility and quicker service delivery.

The Nigerian government in 2023, had amended the 1999 constitution, removing the phrase, “not covered by a national grid system” from Paragraph 14(b), Part II of the Second Schedule (Concurrent Legislative List).

The amendment reversed a 1999 restriction, allowing state governments to generate, distribute, and regulate electricity across their entire state, including areas connected to the national grid.

Also, the Delta State government said its electricity market would encourage operators to deploy a range of energy sources, including gas, solar, and hydro based on feasibility and local needs.

“Infrastructure rollout will be privately funded,” the government said, noting that it would focus on creating an enabling regulatory environment.

The regulatory body, through the Delta State Electricity Commission, would oversee licensing, sector regulation, and dispute mediation between consumers and service providers.

It also approved two additional operational bodies, including a “System Operator to manage state-wide distribution” and “Market Operator to monitor supply and enforce minimum daily electricity thresholds for consumers”.

The Council further approved the creation of a Rural Electrification Agency, aimed at targeting rural and underserved areas with specific electrification programs.

With this move, Delta State joins at least 11 other states that have the autonomy to license electricity providers, set tariffs, enforce operational standards, and supervise Distribution Companies within their borders.

Below is a timeline of the states and dates they took over their electricity oversight.

In April 2024, Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) became the first state to take control of its electricity market.

In May 2024, Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB) received its oversight transfer.

In July 2024, the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) took over.

In August 2024, Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OSERC) and Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) took over intrastate market regulation.

In September 2024, Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) took over.

In December 2024, Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) and Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OGERC) became regulatory authorities.

In January 2025, the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) received oversight.

In March 2025, Plateau State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) took control.

In June 2025, Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) formally got regulatory powers.

Delta State Creates Independent Electricity Market To Tackle Power Outages is first published on The Whistler Newspaper