Cross River approves state-owned electricity policy

An emergency meeting of the State Executive Council of Cross River State held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, has approved a presentation from the Governor for a state-owned electricity policy document.

The Cross River State Electricity Policy provides a comprehensive roadmap to overhaul the state energy framework by introducing a competitive market model underpinned by robust institutional structures.

The Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey in presiding over the Executive Council meeting, also directed the State Attorney General, Mr. Ededem Ani, to present the policy document on his behalf.

He disclosed that the electricity policy seeks to transform Cross River State’s power sector by establishing three key entities, namely: the Cross River State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CRSERC) for independent regulatory oversight; the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA) to extend reliable power to underserved communities; and the Cross River State Independent System Operator (CRSISO) to streamline system operations.

He explained that the policy targets achieving 95% electricity access in the state by 2028, bridging the energy divide by scaling up generation capacity, enhancing transmission and distribution efficiency, and promoting rigorous consumer protection and energy efficiency.

Besides the approved electricity policy document, the State Executive Council also considered and adopted a draft bill for the enactment of the Cross River State Electricity Law, 2025, which is to be sent to the State House of Assembly for proper legislation.

Speaking earlier in his remarks to the meeting, the Deputy Governor, commended the records of prompt response by the State Security structures in some flashpoints and demanded that they replicate it across the state.