By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has declared that no newly-built house will henceforth be connected to electricity without a prepaid meter, as part of efforts to curb energy theft, improve accountability, and enhance service delivery in Anambra State.
The Managing Director of the company made the declaration during a meeting between the FirstPower Management Team and the Association of Onitsha Trans-Nkisi Land Allottees, where stakeholders extensively discussed electricity-related concerns and possible ways of improvement within the estate.
Addressing members of the Association after hearing their concerns, the MD described Trans-Nkisi, alongside Federal housing and G.R.A. Onitsha, as priority service areas that are on premium electricity service, even as he noted that the lingering power generation challenges in Nigeria’s power sector continue to affect energy supply across the state.
He assured the residents that the company remains committed to improving quality of service in Anambra, while also intensifying metering efforts to eliminate unnecessary disputes associated with estimated billing.
The FirstPower Boss expressed concern over high rate meter bypass, tampering, and non-payment of electricity bills within the estate, revealing that over one hundred residents in Trans-Nkisi were recently discovered to have bypassed their meters.
While describing the act as contradictory to the high regard placed on the caliber of personalities living in the Estate, urged customers to desist from acts capable of undermining the company’s operations and appealed to residents to support efforts aimed at improving electricity supply by being responsible consumers.
The MD also detailed clarifications concerning meter categories, estimated billing, over-billing complaints and refund processes, transformer installation procedures, electricity band classifications, and the business realities of Nigeria’s electricity industry.
According to him, many residents in the area are yet to apply for prepaid meters despite the company’s ongoing metering programme and the availability of a meter laboratory in Onitsha established to address meter-related issues.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the company expects improved electricity supply once the new 33KV line from Awada becomes operational. He also pledged the support of FirstPower for electricity projects being initiated within the estate, including free professional consultancy and supervisory services for community-driven power infrastructure projects.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Trans-Nkisi Land Allottees, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, commended the FirstPower Team for honouring the invitation for the engagement, and further highlighted efforts already made by the Association and Estate Management to improve electricity supply within the estate.
He recalled how the Association had tackled illegal and unauthorized connections, apprehended suspected offenders, and facilitated the installation of transformers in different streets across thae estate.
Chief Ndulue, however, alleged that some staff or agents of the company are often complicit in cases of bypass and irregular electricity connections within the area.
The Association also appealed for the provision of additional transformers in some parts of the estate experiencing power challenges.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the meeting included the Vice Chairman of the Association, Sir Chris Ejike Uche; the Secretary, Mr. Nchekwube Okeke; and Sir Chukwumerije Ekebuisi, Chairman of the Electricity Committee.
Residents including Mr. Emeka Nwankwo, Mr. Chidolue, and Mrs. Uchenna Mary-Chaplet also raised concerns ranging from delays in meter installation to unauthorized electricity connections and the need for transformer support in some streets, particularly within Phase Two of the estate.
Responding, the FirstPower Management addressed the various concerns raised and reassured residents of the company’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the community toward improved electricity supply and better service delivery.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief Commercial Officer of FirstPower, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Priscilla Obi; the Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Emeka Egbujor; the Head Customer Customer Service, Mrs. Obianuju Okafor; the District Business Manager for Onitsha District, Comrade Jachukwu Umunna; and the District Commercial Manager, Chidimma Anyanwu.
More photos from the event:
