DisCo Promises 24-Hour Electricity as Customers Suspend Planned Protest in Anambra

The FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd has announced plans to commence 24-hour electricity supply to parts of Anambra State, as customers suspend a planned protest over poor service delivery.

The Chief Technical Officer of the company, Emeka Egbujor, disclosed this during a customer engagement meeting held in Awka.

According to him, arrangements have been concluded to supply areas such as Udoka Estate and Ngozika Estate with 10 megawatts of electricity on a 24-hour basis.

He added that discussions are also ongoing with major industrial players in Nnewi, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd, Cutis Cable Company, Tommy Noodles, and Chikason Plastics, to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Mr. Egbujor explained that the project, powered by a Compressed Natural Gas plant, is expected to be completed within six to eight months starting from March.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the company, Okechukwu Okafor, assured residents that efforts are underway to transform electricity supply across the state.

He noted that recent power shortages were caused by reduced gas supply to power plants and underfunding in the electricity sector, revealing that supply dropped to about 45 percent of previous levels.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that ongoing discussions between the federal government and stakeholders would yield lasting solutions.

Mr. Okafor also encouraged customers to obtain prepaid meters, stating that installations are completed within three weeks after application, and urged residents to report any corrupt staff.

Meanwhile, electricity consumers have raised concerns over irregular supply and estimated billing, with some community leaders alleging cases of extortion involving company staff.

The company says the engagement meeting, according to Head of Customer Service Obianuju Okafor, was aimed at gathering feedback and improving service delivery.

Customers, who had earlier planned to stage a protest, have now suspended the action, pending the implementation of the company’s promises.

Orbit News 24 will continue to monitor developments in the power sector.

(Premium times)