BYERA Regulations 2026 Will Build a Credible Market and Protect Bayelsa Consumers – Dr. Rosalyn Dressman By Chris Mark
BYERA Regulations 2026 Will Build a Credible Market and Protect Bayelsa Consumers – Dr. Rosalyn Dressman
The Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Authority has presented the Electricity Market Entry Regulations 2026 as a practical framework to attract investment, regularize operators, and strengthen consumer protection ahead of the state’s electricity market rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholder/vetting session on Monday in Yenagoa on the draft regulations, BYERA, Director General, Dr. Rosalyn Dressman said the rules are designed to turn policy into an operational market system under the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2025.
“The regulations are not merely administrative. They are a fundamental tool for attracting investment,” Dr. Dressman told stakeholders. “They also protect consumers, regularize the participation of existing operators, and create a credible state electricity market.”
She explained that the regulations set out clear requirements for licensing, permits, and operations across the electricity value chain within state competence. This includes generation, transmission within state limits, system and market operation, distribution, franchising, supply, retail, trade, mini-grids, metering, and integrated utilities.
Dr. Dressman outlined the full regulatory cycle created by the document: how applications are submitted, reviewed for completeness, evaluated, and either approved or refused.
The regulations also impose duties on operators covering consumer protection, metering, safety, and service quality, while giving BYERA powers for monitoring, inspection, audit, enforcement, revocation, suspension, and appeals.
For projects involving the national grid, interstate supply, or requiring federal approval, she said operators must obtain and submit the relevant federal clearances before BYERA grants final authorization for Bayelsa State.
Dr. Dressman stressed that effective implementation will require institutional support from government ministries, departments and agencies, youth groups, civil society, and other stakeholders.
She described the regulations as both a legal instrument and an economic development tool aimed at attracting investment, protecting consumers, regularizing existing operators, and building a credible state electricity market.
Speaking after the session, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulation Agency, Hon. Austin Adigio Esq., said the regulations are being developed through consultation to capture the concerns of all players in the electricity value chain.
“What we have done here is to democratize the process of regulation,” Adigio said. “As a regulator, we are coming up with regulations that will guide the whole value chain in the electricity market. It is only proper that we call all stakeholders to say, these are the regulations we have proposed.
He said the feedback from stakeholders, including input on gas, solar, wind, and other energy sources, had enriched the draft regulations and would make implementation smoother for investors, consumers, and operators.
Adigio clarified that Bayelsa’s electricity market is open to all energy sources. He noted that with power removed from the exclusive legislative list under the Electricity Act 2025, states can now pursue generation from solar, wind, coal, gas, and other sources based on available potential.
On local content, he said the authority would enforce compliance with the law to ensure Bayelsa residents benefit from employment and contracts.
“Local content is a law. If an investor comes into Bayelsa for power, a percentage of the workforce as required by the local content law must be considered,” he said. “The governor’s economic reforms are aimed at creating employment through power generation, and SMEs and industries will thrive as a result.”
Adigio added that the authority would ensure related laws are enforced to make the electricity market functional and beneficial for all stakeholders.
