Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has vowed to end the epileptic electricity supply in the State begining with plans to the take over of the Umuahia Power ringed-fence from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
Governor Otti made the vow, Wednesday, at Government House Umuahia, during the inauguration of members of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA).
The Governor revealed that Abia State state is at the final stage of acquiring the Umuahia ringed-fence from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
He said the move would enable the government to directly power key local government areas including Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, and Arochukwu.
“We are at the final stages of negotiations with EEDC. The idea for us is to acquire the Umuahia ringed-fence and that includes Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia, Isiukwuato, Ummunneochi and Arochukwu.
“We are almost done and by the time negotiations are complete, payment would be made and we will pull Umuahia out of EEDC.
“We have a plan on powering the ringed-fence area”, Gov Otti said.
He noted that electricity is central to the agenda of the present administration adding that the long-anticipated Geometric Power project in Aba, which had been delayed for two decades, is now operational as a result of the State Government’s swift support.
Governor Otti explained that with Geometric’s installed capacity of 188 megawatts, with the capacity of 141 megawatts, the Aba ringed-fence will require only about 100 megawatts.
According to Governor Otti, the remaining 88 megawatts, will be redirected to power Umuahia and surrounding areas rather than be pushed to the national grid.
“Geometric has a stored capacity of 188 megawatts of energy even though they have three turbines with the capacity of 141 megawatts and the fourth turbine should be on the way any moment from now.
“At maximum load we believe that Aba ringed-fence should not require more than a 100 megawatts, so the balance of 88 megawatts, our proposal is for it to be wheeled into Umuahia rather than send it to the national grid
“If we have 88 megawatts, at least we can guarantee steady supply of power”, the Gov said.
He stressed the importance of tackling power challenges to drive industrialization and reduce the cost of doing business, particularly for manufacturers who spend about 70% of their operating costs on energy.
“For a country of over 200 million people to be struggling with just 5,000 megawatts, most of which we don’t even get, it is clear why we’ve been held back.
The Governor assured ASERA members of his administration’s full backing, especially in upgrading power infrastructure and substations.
“We are very determined to ensure that we solve the problem of power. Industrialization cannot happen without power, and we are determined to change the narrative in Abia”, he said.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Executive Director of ASERA, Engr. Iheanyi Eze promised to achieve the vision of Governor Alex Otti in electricity and deliver quality and affordable power for the people.
He thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that they would ensure they set up a robust customer relations system in the agency.
Other members of the Agency include; Mr Onyegbule Emeka – Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ikowu Ukwu – Executive Director, Onwuegbule Kareem Eberechukwu – non Executive Director and Dr. Joy Otti – non Executive Director.
