By Eberechukwu Ezekigbo
The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has assured residents of Nnewi and environs of significant improvement in electricity supply in the coming weeks, following the nearing completion of major transmission projects.
The assurance was given on Sept. 26, when the company received a delegation from the Nnewi community led by the Chairman of the Nnewi Electricity Committee, Hon. Ifeanyi Onyenucheya, and Sir Tony Muoka, who visited to seek clarification on the current power supply situation.
Receiving the delegation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, alongside the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor, and Head of Operations, Engr. Ifeoma Uba, explained the factors responsible for the current electricity challenges.
According to the company, the challenge is not solely related to distribution but is largely linked to limitations on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) network, particularly the capacity of key 132/33kV transformers at the Awada Transmission Station.
The limitation has resulted in load-shedding on several feeders serving Nnewi and neighbouring communities, including Nnewi-Oba, Obosi-Oraifite, Ihiala, Nnewi Industrial, Umunya, Awada-1, Cantonment and Osomala, among others. FirstPower said measures were already underway to address the situation. These include the installation of a new 100MVA, 132/33kV transformer at Awada, with gantry works at an advanced stage.
The company also disclosed that the rehabilitation of the existing 100MVA transformer, TR11, was ongoing, with necessary materials, including transformer oil, already on site. It added that work was also progressing on the Ukpor transmission line, while preparations were underway for the Umuchu 2x60MVA substation and the Amichi axis.
FirstPower said the interventions, which are expected to be completed within the coming weeks, would substantially increase electricity transmission capacity to Nnewi and surrounding communities.
Speaking after the briefing, Hon. Onyenucheya said the delegation was satisfied with the explanations provided by the management and the ongoing efforts to improve power supply in the area.
The company appreciated the Nnewi community for engaging with it through the appropriate channels and reaffirmed its commitment to working towards improved electricity supply to Nnewi and other communities within its network.
Eberechukwu Ezekigbo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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