Bridging Theory and Practice: TELS UNN Gains First-Hand Regulatory Experience at EERC

EERC Opens Its Doors to the Energy Law Society, UNN, as a Study Visit Becomes an Engaging Learning Experience ENUGU, October 21, 2026 – What began as a brief educational excursion evolved into a rich lecture and interactive learning session when members of the Energy Law Society, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (TELS UNN) visited the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC). Led by their President, Ms. Anita Chukwusom Anyaso, the students gained first-hand insight into the Commission's role in regulating the electricity sector, including customer complaint resolution, licensing, market operations, and the legal framework governing electricity regulation in Enugu State. Held under the theme, “Bridging Theory and Practice,” the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to see how classroom concepts translate into real-world regulatory practice. The students demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm throughout the session, asking thoughtful and well-informed questions covering generation, transmission, distribution, consumer protection, and sector regulation. Understanding the Foundations of Regulation The programme was moderated by Chuka Charles Chima, Assistant Manager, Communications, who welcomed the students and framed the day's discussions as four interconnected chapters of a single story: the law, the market, licensing, and the customer. According to him, while earlier eras of Nigeria's electricity industry often placed little emphasis on consumers, the situation has fundamentally changed. With the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended) and the transfer of regulatory authority to states, the customer now occupies a central place in electricity regulation, shaping the Commission's policies and activities. A Warm Welcome from a Fellow Lion The session was chaired by Commissioner for Market Operations, Reuben Okoye, Esq., a lawyer and proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria. In his welcome remarks, he greeted the delegation with the University's traditional "Great Lions and Lionesses" salute and encouraged the students to seize opportunities within the evolving electricity sector. Commissioner Okoye remained actively engaged throughout the programme, providing clarifications, responding to questions, and ensuring meaningful interaction between students and Commission staff. Presentations from Across the Commission The programme commenced with a safety briefing delivered by Engr. Ejike Ugwu, who highlighted emergency exits, first-aid facilities, and other safety procedures. Following this, Mrs. Chidinma Onoh, Esq., General Counsel and Commission Secretary, provided an engaging historical overview of electricity development and the emergence of state-level electricity regulation in Enugu State. The legal and regulatory evolution of the sub-national electricity market was presented by Pamela Richard Anyamele, Esq., and Malachy Ugwu, Esq. The presentation traced key milestones, including: The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fifth Alteration No. 33) Act, 2023, which granted states concurrent legislative powers over electricity; The Electricity Act 2023; The Enugu State Electricity Law 2023; The Enugu State Electricity Policy; and The Commission's regulations, codes, and standards. The presenters highlighted Enugu State's pioneering role in implementing state-level electricity regulation following the formal transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to EERC on October 22, 2024. They also discussed emerging career opportunities within the sector, including regulatory practice, project finance, compliance, policy development, and consumer rights advocacy. Exploring the Electricity Market and Licensing Framework Ikenna Uche led students through the structure of the Enugu State electricity market, explaining the roles of generation companies, distribution entities, retail suppliers, and eligible customers. He also provided insights into tariff determination using the cost-of-service methodology, explaining how factors such as operational expenditure, depreciation, taxation, and returns on regulatory assets influence electricity pricing. The licensing regime was subsequently presented by Engr. Anene Omeje, who outlined the Commission's regulatory requirements for generation, transmission, distribution, retail, and integrated utility licences. Students were taken through key licensing processes, including application procedures, public notices, objections and hearings, renewals, transfers, suspensions, cancellations, and applicable fees. Putting the Customer First The final presentation was delivered by Nennaya Ugwu, who discussed the Commission's Customer Service Standards and Protection Regulation. Her presentation emphasized service delivery standards and timelines applicable to electricity providers, particularly in relation to new connections, billing disputes, metering issues, complaint handling, and dispute resolution. She further explained how unresolved customer complaints may be escalated to the Commission's Customer Complaints Resolution Desk, reinforcing EERC's commitment to consumer protection and accountability. Encouraging the Next Generation of Professionals During the programme, Commissioner for Organisational Support, Dr. Chuka Akunne, commended the students for their interest, attentiveness, and active participation. He encouraged both current students and recent graduates to pursue opportunities in the electricity sector, noting that the industry offers immense prospects for individuals committed to continuous learning and professional excellence. Similarly, Commissioner for Engineering Standards, Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, Engr. Chinedum Ukabiala, engaged students on several technical issues, addressing questions relating to power generation, customer standards, and sector operations. He assured the delegation that the Commission remains open to future engagements that promote learning and capacity development. A Memorable Conclusion The visit concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, after which Ms. Anita Chukwusom Anyaso delivered a vote of thanks and presented a commemorative plaque to the Commission on behalf of the Energy Law Society. In his closing remarks, Anthony Ukwuani, Manager, Administration, thanked the students for visiting the Commission and brought the programme to a cheerful close with a few light-hearted jokes that left the room smiling. The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and industry and underscored EERC's commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal, regulatory, and energy-sector professionals through practical engagement and knowledge sharing.