Governor Ademola Adeleke says that the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission bill passed by the Osun House of Assembly will end the exploitation of consumers in the state when signed into law.

Mr Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, said the era of exploitation and oppression of residents in the state by officials of electricity distribution companies was over.

The assembly on Monday passed a bill establishing an electricity regulatory commission in the state.

The bill titled ‘Osun State Electricity Market Regulatory Bill 2025’ was passed at the plenary on Monday in Osogbo after its third reading.

The governor described the bill as a major tool to deepen and boost the state’s economy.

According to him, the bill will open up opportunities for investors in the power sector, particularly in off-grid power generation.

“Sources of power generation will be diversified, opened up, and regulated to address the chronic power supply crisis rocking the state.

“The new bill, when signed into law, will ensure the right energy mix. Renewable energy will complement the traditional energy sources. Osun State is open to new energy sector investors,” he said.

Mr Adeleke also stated that the establishment of an electricity regulatory agency would regulate and monitor the electricity market, as well as address service delivery issues by the distribution company.

The governor emphasised that the commission would be empowered to address complaints of electricity users and act on the activities of the distribution company.

“The distribution company should sit tight now ahead of the eventual takeoff of the commission. The regulatory commission will address critical issues related to customer-service provider complaints.

“It will grant licences to power generators, among others. The commission will not allow the current maltreatment of electricity users in the state.

“The business community in Osun should heave a sigh of relief, as the much-needed policy framework for the state power sector has arrived,” he said.

The governor also commended the assembly, the energy ministry, and all those who worked on the draft bill and participated in the consultation processes leading to its passage.

(NAN)