FirstPower Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Structures Under Power Lines in Awka
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FirstPower) has significantly escalated its campaign to dismantle illegal structures erected beneath power lines within the Awka/Abagana District. This decisive action forms a critical component of broader measures to guarantee environmental safety and safeguard human lives and property from electrical hazards.
Partnership and Enforcement Drive
During a recent Customer Engagement Forum held in Awka, Anambra State, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Okechukwu Okafor, publicly disclosed the company's strategic collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA). This partnership is specifically aimed at enforcing the removal of unauthorized constructions located dangerously close to high-voltage infrastructure.
Okafor issued a stern warning against illegal electrical connections, tampering with company equipment, and other unsafe practices that pose severe risks to public safety and can cause extensive damage to critical power infrastructure. He emphasized that revenue collected from electricity bills is essential for sustaining the entire electricity value chain, which includes generation, transmission, gas supply, and ongoing network maintenance.
"We urge all customers to fulfill their obligation by paying bills promptly, actively protecting electrical installations, and cooperating fully with our initiatives to enhance service delivery," Okafor stated. He further explained that distribution companies like FirstPower are entirely dependent on power supplied from the national grid, noting that any disruption at any stage of the value chain inevitably and negatively impacts end users.
Public Safety Awareness and Clearance Requirements
In a detailed presentation focused on the Public Safety Awareness Campaign, Engr. Tosin Fadairo, Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at FirstPower, sensitized customers on the urgent need for electrical safety. He educated the forum on proper handling of installations and the critical importance of avoiding unsafe practices around power lines, transformers, and designated right-of-way areas.
Fadairo listed prevalent violations in the Awka/Abagana area, which notably include establishing markets and conducting street trading activities directly beneath overhead power lines. He strongly cautioned against:
- Planting tall trees within power line corridors.
- Constructing buildings, fences, sheds, or shops in these restricted zones.
- Operating cranes, high-reach equipment, or installing TV antennas that could potentially make contact with live power lines.
He outlined the mandatory safety clearance levels required by law:
- 330kV lines: Require a 25-metre clearance on either side, totaling a 50-metre width.
- 132kV lines: Require a 15-metre clearance on either side, totaling a 30-metre width.
- 33kV and 11kV lines: Require a 5.5-metre clearance on either side, totaling an 11-metre width.
- Low voltage 415V lines: Also require a similar 5.5-metre clearance on either side.
Technical and Commercial Operations Overview
Dr. Emeka Egbujor, the Chief Technical Officer, provided an explanation of Nigeria's electricity value chain, comprising Generating Companies (GenCos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (DisCos). He highlighted ongoing technical interventions by FirstPower, which include feeder reconfiguration, load balancing, proactive transformer maintenance, and concrete plans for network expansion. These efforts are designed to improve supply stability across the district and the wider state.
On the commercial front, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi, the Chief Commercial Officer, detailed the company's billing system, various metering programmes, and the ongoing ASAP initiative. This initiative is aimed at improving accountability, enhancing customer experience, and ensuring revenue assurance. She encouraged customers to actively take advantage of available metering opportunities and to channel all complaints through officially approved communication platforms.
Warnings Against Vandalism and Enhanced Customer Service
Engr. Okwudili Udechukwu, Head of Technical, delivered a strong warning against the vandalism of electricity infrastructure, including transformers, power lines, and meters, as well as illegal connections and energy theft. He noted that such criminal acts directly lead to power outages, increased operational costs, and degraded service delivery for all customers. He urged the public to protect installations and report any suspicious activities immediately.
Similarly, Mrs. Obianuju Okafor, Head of Customer Service, highlighted the availability of multiple, convenient payment platforms and complaint channels. These include district offices, dedicated customer care lines, online platforms, and designated service centres. She assured customers of prompt response mechanisms to ensure quicker resolution of complaints and improved overall communication between the company and its consumers.
