FirstPower pledges to help Anambra achieve 1,000MW power target, commits N13.3bn investment, others

By Ifeizu Joe 

First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has pledged to support Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo in achieving its electricity sector target of 1,000 megawatts in the state.

The Chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor stated this yesterday at Anambra State Electricity Market Investment Roundtable, held in Awka, Anambra State.

Offor, who was represented by the MD/CEO of EEDC, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu stated that its subsidiary, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, which manages power in Anambra State will fully support the vision of Anambra State government under Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

He said: “We are committed to building a strong, inclusive and commercially sustainable Anambra Electricity Market.

“We recognize that achieving reliable electricity supply requires the participation of government, regulators, existing operators and new investors. We therefore warmly welcome credible investments in generation, embedded power, renewable energy, distribution infrastructure and other electricity services.”

Speaking about the company’s investment in power sector in the state, Offor said: “FirstPower has committed the following; ₦13.3 billion, within next year 2027 in priority network investments. Another ₦40billion has been planned for the following 2 years 2028 and 2029. These investments will strengthen distribution infrastructure, improve metering, increase network capacity and enhance electricity reliability across the State.

“We are also finalizing arrangements with generating and Renewable Energy companies for approximately 205 megawatts of additional electricity capacity, while exploring over 420 megawatts of potential Embedded Distributed generation and interconnected mini-grid opportunities for collaboration with interested investors.

“These initiatives demonstrate our determination to support the State’s growing electricity requirements and provide the infrastructure necessary for sustainable economic development.

“I am pleased to announce that FirstPower is concluding PPA discussions to procure 55MW over the next few days. FirstPower and Greenewable Energy Ltd have also signed an MOU to develop 100 MW of embedded generation.

“Today, in this forum, FirstPower will sign Memoranda of Understanding with its investment partners to further our commitment to improving electricity reliability across the State. These partners include: Capstone Energies Limited for Distributed Embedded supply of 50 MW And North South Power Company Ltd for Distributed Embedded supply of 17 MW,” Offor said.

FirstPower said it is willing and ready to collaborate with investors and stakeholders through commercially viable and mutually beneficial partnerships. We believe that a sustainable electricity market must be built on transparent regulation, respect for contractual obligations, investment protection, commercial discipline and fair returns on legitimate investment.

“We also recognize that electricity theft and vandalism of power infrastructure pose serious threats to reliable electricity supply, investment confidence and the financial sustainability of the electricity market.

“We therefore encourage the State Government, working with the Legislative branch, the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission and relevant law enforcement agencies, to strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework and ensure effective enforcement against these practices, thereby protecting critical infrastructure, legitimate investments and the interests of electricity consumers.

“These principles are essential to attracting the long-term capital required to transform electricity market in Anambra State,”Offor stated.