Chinedum Ukabiala
Engr. Chinedum Ukabiala FNSE is Commissioner for Engineering, Standards, Occupational Safety, Health & Environment at the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission. He is a renowned engineer and regulatory specialist with a distinguished career spanning three decades in the Nigerian electric power sector. His expertise encompasses a vast array of areas, including; Generating plant operations and maintenance planning, Energy policy planning and management, Renewable energy systems design and installation, Energy efficiency and conservation, Electricity sector reform and regulation, Electricity market and tariff design.
Engr. Ukabiala played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) from inception. He was among the initial staff selected to establish the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2005. During his tenure at NERC, he actively participated in the development of many regulatory instruments governing the sector. His leadership and innovative spirit were recognized with the “Best Performing Staff” award in 2012.
Engr. Ukabiala’s career trajectory showcases a commitment to excellence. He held various leadership positions at NERC, including Deputy General Manager (DGM) in the Research & Development/Renewable Energy Division and Deputy General Manager (DGM) in the Market Competition and Rates Division. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives such as the development of renewable energy and mini-grid regulations, the creation of the Extra Ordinary Electricity tariff of 2015, and the revision of the Nigerian Electricity Market Rules.
Following his voluntary retirement from NERC as General Manager Engineering and Performance Management, Engr. Ukabiala continued to contribute to the sector. He provided crucial regulatory and commercial support to Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE), a distribution company, even facilitating the development of their first approved electricity tariff.
Engr. Ukabiala holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours in Mechanical Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, and a Regulatory Specialist Certification from the University of Loughborough, United Kingdom. Additionally, he is a Registered Engineer with COREN, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), an Associate Member of the International Network on Small Hydro Power, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).