Aiyedatiwa signs Ondo Electricity Sector Amendment Law
—Sets up electricity regulator, market operator
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
AKURE: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has signed the Ondo State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, into law, strengthening the legal and institutional framework for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the state.
The legislation, passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, amends the 2020 law and aligns the state’s electricity sector framework with the Electricity Act, 2023.
A major provision of the new law is the establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) as an independent body responsible for regulating electricity activities in the state.
SERC will regulate tariffs, open access, franchises, third-party investments, mini-grids and renewable energy, as well as issue licences and permits for electricity generation, transmission and distribution facilities.
The law also provides for the establishment of the State Independent System Operator (SISO) and the State Market Operator (SMO) to oversee the effective operation and coordination of the state’s electricity market.
Compulsory metering
On metering, the law makes the provision of meters compulsory for both grid-connected and off-grid electricity consumers.
It requires electricity sellers to provide meters, while establishing direct billing relationships between consumers and their electricity providers.
The legislation also provides protection for electricity infrastructure financed by communities, associations and private individuals.
It creates the offence of “Electricity Infrastructure Expansion Sabotage,” with offenders liable to a fine of N2 million, in addition to N25,000 for each day the offence continues after receiving notice from the regulator.
Agency to certify electrical equipment
The law further establishes the Equipment Standards and Competence Certification Agency (ESCCA), which will be responsible for inspecting, testing and certifying electrical equipment.
The agency will also license electrical installers, technicians and contractors operating in the state.
The Ondo State Power Company has equally been strengthened as the commercial arm of the state government in the electricity sector.
Under the amended law, the company can invest in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, mini-grids, renewable energy and small hydro projects.
The law also empowers the state government to grant exclusivity rights to investors and designates electricity investments by the government, communities and individuals as “State Protected Investments.”
Speaking after the governor assented to the legislation, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, described the law as a milestone in the state’s efforts to build a modern, sustainable and investment-driven electricity sector.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using reliable electricity supply as a catalyst for industrialisation, economic growth and improved quality of life for residents of the state.
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