Bayelsa State has officially gained control over its electricity market after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) transferred regulatory powers to the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA).

The move, made in line with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023, allows the state to oversee generation, transmission, distribution, and licensing of power operators. NERC also directed the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company to create a new subsidiary that will manage electricity supply within Bayelsa. The transition is expected to be completed by February 2026.

With this step, Bayelsa joins Lagos, Edo, Oyo, Plateau, and several other states that have secured autonomy to run their own electricity sectors.

However, the broader national power grid remains weak. Despite having an installed capacity of more than 13,000 megawatts, Nigeria’s plants produced only about 5,500 MW in July, with many operating far below their full potential. Some, like Alaoji and Sapele Steam, generated almost no electricity at all.

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu had earlier promised that supply would reach 6,000 MW by the end of 2024 and climb to 7,000 MW, but the targets have not been achieved. Analysts warn that while state-level autonomy is a welcome step, stronger policies are still needed to unlock generation capacity and deliver steady power to homes and businesses.