By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
THE Director-General of the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency, Mrs Roseline Dressman, has expressed confidence that the state is on the verge of a major transformation in electricity supply as preparations continue for the commissioning of a 60-megawatt gas turbine project.
Speaking on the anticipated launch of the project, Mrs Dressman said Bayelsa residents could soon begin to experience more reliable electricity, but stressed that consumers must also be prepared to meet their obligations in the new power regime.
“We are expecting the President to commission this project, and naturally Bayelsans are asking when they will begin to enjoy steady electricity. But expectation is a two-way process; the distributors also have their expectations,” she said.
Mrs Dressman explained that her agency serves as a link between electricity distributors and consumers, ensuring balance within the power supply chain.
“Power must first be generated, then distributed, regulated, and finally consumed. We have achieved the generation stage, distribution is underway, and regulation is in place. Now, consumers are waiting to receive it, and that is perfectly valid,” she stated.
She, however, cautioned that electricity is not a free commodity and urged residents to be ready to pay for the energy they consume.
“Even sunlight, though freely given, requires processing before it can power homes, and that process comes at a cost. Electricity is a major business and a functioning market involving generators, distributors and consumers, all of whom must play their part responsibly,” she explained.
Mrs Dressman also highlighted Bayelsa’s longstanding electricity challenges, attributing them to the state’s dependence on shared infrastructure with neighbouring states.
“We do not have an independent power infrastructure. Whenever there is vandalism or disruption in other states, Bayelsa is usually the first to feel the impact. This is not a failure of the current administration but an inherited structural challenge,” she said.
She commended the Bayelsa State Government for pursuing an independent electricity system, describing it as a bold and strategic move that sets the state apart from others relying largely on private sector-led projects.
According to her, unreliable electricity has severely affected education, healthcare and business development across the state.
“Children struggle to go to school early because families cannot preserve food. Households spend more on daily meals due to lack of storage. Hospitals face operational challenges, and in some cases lives are lost, though these realities often go undocumented. Many businesses have also left the state because of poor power supply,” she noted.
Despite these challenges, Mrs Dressman said the new gas turbine project offers hope for economic renewal, predicting that improved electricity supply will attract investment and stimulate commercial growth.
“This is a new dawn for Bayelsa. With reliable electricity, we anticipate increased investments and economic growth. As for tariffs, they will be fair and affordable, so residents should have no cause for concern,” she assured.
She concluded by stressing that while the government is prepared to deliver stable electricity, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on collective responsibility, particularly consumers’ willingness to actively participate in the electricity market.
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