Nigerian DisCo Vows 24-Hour Power Supply to Anambra Areas via CNG Project
The FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (FPED) has unveiled ambitious plans to provide uninterrupted, 24-hour electricity to specific areas within Anambra State, marking a significant step towards enhancing power availability in the region. This initiative, announced during the company's annual customer engagement meeting in Awka, aims to address longstanding electricity challenges through a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered project expected to be operational within six to eight months.
Targeted Areas and Industrial Partnerships
Chief Technical Officer Emeka Egbujor disclosed that Udoka Estate and Ngozika Estate in Awka have been earmarked to receive approximately 10 megawatts of continuous power supply. "As we speak now, we have concluded arrangements to supply Udoka Estate and Ngozika Estate in Awka with 10 megawatts of electricity for 24 hours," Egbujor stated. Furthermore, the company is in advanced discussions with major industrial players in Nnewi, including:
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company
- Cutis Cable Company
- Tommy Noodles
- Chikason Plastics
These negotiations aim to extend steady electricity provision to these critical manufacturing facilities, bolstering industrial productivity in the state.
Addressing Current Challenges and Future Prospects
Managing Director Okechukwu Okafor acknowledged the severe challenges plaguing the electricity sector, attributing recent supply declines to limited gas availability and inadequate funding across the value chain. He revealed that energy supply to Anambra had dropped to about 45% of previous levels, with only a brief improvement recorded in January 2026 before deteriorating again. "Anambra's position as a major economic center in southeastern Nigeria and the wider West African region makes reliable power a top priority," Okafor emphasized, reassuring residents of the company's commitment to transforming the state's electricity system.
Okafor further disclosed that federal government and industry stakeholders are collaborating to address these systemic issues. Once the CNG project becomes fully operational, the remaining electricity capacity should be sufficient to cater to other consumers across Anambra State, potentially benefiting residential and commercial users beyond the initially targeted areas.
Customer Concerns and Management Responses
During the engagement meeting, numerous electricity users expressed dissatisfaction with irregular power supply and the controversial estimated billing system, which they claim often results in excessive charges. Community representatives also raised alarms about alleged collusion between certain company staff and locals to exploit residents. In response, management urged customers to:
- Apply for prepaid meters, with processing typically taking about three weeks
- Report any cases of misconduct or corruption involving company personnel directly to management
These measures aim to improve transparency and service delivery while addressing customer grievances.
Broader Industry Context
This announcement comes amid similar initiatives across Nigeria's electricity distribution sector. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company recently revealed plans to drastically reduce blackouts and deliver significantly improved electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states by 2027. These parallel developments suggest a growing industry focus on enhancing power reliability through targeted infrastructure projects and stakeholder engagement.
The FPED's CNG-powered project represents a innovative approach to overcoming gas shortage challenges, potentially serving as a model for other distribution companies facing similar constraints. As the six-to-eight month implementation timeline progresses from March 2026, residents and businesses in the selected Anambra areas await the promised transformation in their electricity experience.
