In a bold move to boost energy supply, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to acquire the Umuahia ring fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). This strategic acquisition aims to provide a steady power supply to the remaining 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs) not currently covered by Geometric Power. The announcement was made on Monday during a reception organized by Geometric Power, following the commissioning of Aba Power’s new 2 X 15 MVA Ogbor Hill Sub-station by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Governor Otti revealed that his administration has completed all necessary due diligence and evaluations for the acquisition. He directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to engage in discussions with Geometric Power regarding the wheeling of excess power to the Umuahia ring fence. According to Otti, the offer for the acquisition will be made on Tuesday. He emphasized that, typically, excess power would be injected into the national grid, but with the current deregulation, the focus is on wheeling the excess power into the Umuahia ring fence. This move is expected to channel 80 or 88 megawatts of excess power into Umuahia once the acquisition is finalized.
The Governor expressed gratitude to former President Obasanjo for his courageous actions during his presidency, including designating Aba as a ring-fenced area. He also commended Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman and CEO of Geometric Power Group, for investing in Abia State. Obasanjo, in turn, praised Governor Otti’s leadership style and acknowledged Aba as a hub for industrialization, underscoring the need for a reliable power supply. He congratulated Governor Otti, Professor Nnaji, and the people of Abia on the project’s success.
Professor Nnaji provided an overview of the Aba Integrated Power Project, highlighting the instrumental roles played by former President Obasanjo and Governor Otti in its realization. The project has incurred costs exceeding $800 million, demonstrating a significant investment in Abia State’s energy infrastructure. This development is poised to have a profound impact on the region, improving the lives of residents and driving economic growth through a more stable and reliable energy supply. As Abia State continues to explore avenues for enhanced energy provision, this acquisition marks a crucial step towards achieving a brighter, more empowered future for its citizens.
