In a bid to enhance power supply for residents and businesses, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the management of Aba Integrated Power Limited to channel its surplus power to Umuahia rather than feeding it into the National Grid.
This initiative is expected to improve power supply, boost local businesses, attract new investments, and stimulate economic activities in Umuahia.
Governor Otti who made the call during a facility tour of the Geometric Power Plant Aba, in accompany of the European Union delegation led by the Head of Corporations of the EU, Mr. Maximo DeLuca, noted that discussions to facilitate the initiative is ongoing.
“We are discussing with Enugu DisCo on the acquisition of the Umuahia part of the ringed fenced network so that, when you have excess capacity monthly, instead of moving it to the National Grid, you can just wheel it to Umuahia.
“I have had extensive discussion with Prof. Barth Nnaji who sees that as a profitable possibility,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor commended the Management of the Aba Integrated Power Limited for their significant achievements in power generation and supply in Aba.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the power plant, noting that with a current output of 75 megawatts, there is potential to generate over 90 megawatts if operating at full capacity.
Governor Otti while highlighting the importance of maximizing the plant’s output, emphasized that idle turbines result in financial losses.
“I am happy to hear the progress that you have made. If you have 75 megawatts, that means there is still some power left in the second turbine, and I think it should be over 90 megawatts, if you are operating at full capacity.
“The third turbine should also come on stream anytime soon because anytime it is not working you are losing money. You can never recall it,” Gov. Otti remarked.
The Governor also commended Geometric Power’s decision to establish sub-stations in strategic locations within Aba, such as Factory Road, which he noted would boost power availability in critical areas.
He lamented the challenges faced by local industries and attributed the decline of the once-thriving Star Paper Mill Limited to inconsistent Power Supply.
He disclosed that engagements are ongoing eto revitalize the company and expressed optimism for its return to full production.
“In the last six months, we have been engaging to see how we can bring it (Star Paper Mill) back to production. I have had to visit AMCON and I think we are at the point where evaluation is being done.
“Hopefully, before the end of the year, we will be able to have a landing because growing up around here Star Paper Mill was a employing so many people and it operated a 24 hour basis and one of the most important factors if I remember correctly was power.
“It was actually the inconsistency of power that made the Italian machines that were installed then for over $10 million by Union Bank. I think it was power that made it fail,” Gov. Otti explained.
In his speech, Mr. Maximo DeLuca stated that the EU delegation visited to evaluate the company’s progress in power distribution and explore potential partnerships.
He emphasized the EU’s focus on attracting catalytic investments from Nigerian public and private sectors, noting that Abia could serve as a model for other states.
“My presence here is to assess where we are in terms of the different forms of distribution, the possibility of developing different forms of franchise and to expand effective franchising in Abia and Nigeria.
“We are optimistic that Abia will remain the lead and example to follow for other states in Nigeria”, Mr DeLuca stated.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Aba Integrated Power Project, Barr. Ugo Opiegbe, said that the plant, which is gas-fired, has a capacity of 141 megawatts, with a current peak production of over 75 megawatts.
He highlighted the installation of four new injection sub-stations and thanked Governor Otti for his continued support since the facility’s commissioning last year, expressing optimism that the facility tour would yield the desired dividend.
Top Government Officials joined the Governor during the facility tour.
