By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen Anambra State’s electricity sector recorded another major milestone on Thursday as the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) and FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited championed a well-attended public consultation and stakeholder engagement forum at Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area Headquarters.
The well-attended ASERC Consultation Forum, which was organized for electricity consumers from Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas, was also harmonized with the regular Customer Engagement Forum of the FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited earlier scheduled for the same area, and provided a broader opportunity for direct interaction between electricity consumers, regulators and service providers.
Notably, the fully-represented FirstPower team also mounted a dedicated customer service section at the venue where officials attended to customers’ complaints, requests and concerns relating to prepaid meters, billing issues, power supply challenges, new connections, account reconciliation and other service-related matters, while also guiding customers on approved procedures for resolving electricity-related concerns.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman and Managing Director of ASERC, Prof. Frank Okafor, who gave an overview of ASERC, its mandate, the electricity sector, and the consultative forum, said the event was organized to provide a platform for stakeholders across the power sector to deliberate on the draft Customer Protection Regulations 2026, Licensing Regulations, and Investment Framework prepared by the Commission for the state’s electricity market.
He said the objective was to ensure that the proposed regulatory framework reflects the realities of the state’s evolving power sector, as well as the concerns of Ndị Anambra and the electricity providers. He emphasized that the Commission remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and due process, noting that the regulations would set clear standards for operators while also protecting the rights of consumers.
Key highlights of the event included point-by-point presentations on the proposed regulations, delivered by ASERC Commissioners, including Engr. Nosike Emmanuel, Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka Obi, and Engr. Geoffrey Nwokoye. Participants at the engagement, also contributed during the interactive sessions, raising questions and making recommendations on issues relating to metering, estimated billing, customer service responsiveness, electricity tariffs and general power stability.
Responding to various concerns and questions raised by participants, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, who described electricity as one of the key priority items to humanity and the society, reassured that the company remains focused on improving electricity supply and delivering quality service to customers across the state.
According to him, amidst the prevailing national grid challenges affecting electricity generation nationwide, the company has continued to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring improved energy delivery to consumers in Anambra State, with negotiations currently ongoing towards commencement of power generation in the state.
Speaking on metering challenges and estimated billing, the FirstPower MD assured participants that the company is committed to crashing the metering gap in the state. He announced that more investors and meter contractors are being engaged to further complement and enhance the services of the FirstPower’s meter lab in Onitsha.
The FirstPower Boss also revealed that the company spends not less than five million naira weekly repairing between three and five vandalized or faulty transformers across different communities, describing vandalism of electricity infrastructure as one of the major setbacks affecting service improvement efforts. While also decrying and condemning the rising incidents and effects of meter bypass and tampering, electricity theft, and non-payment of electricity bills, he called for stronger collaboration among communities, consumers, security agencies and stakeholders to protect power infrastructure and support efforts aimed at improving electricity supply and service delivery.
On his part, the Deputy Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Hon. Kingsley Ezeagu, who noted that Nigeria’s electricity problem is as old as the country itself, urged electricity consumers to remain patient with FirstPower as the company continues to champion the transformation and work towards effective service delivery across the state, including full metering of customers for energy accountability.
He also expressed optimism in the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in giving Ndị Anambra a reliable and affordable energy, further expressing hope that ongoing reforms and investments in the power sector would soon guarantee improved and stable electricity supply across Anambra State.
In their separate remarks, some of the traditional rulers, alongside other stakeholders at the event, also commended ASERC for organizing the consultation and praised residents for their active participation, while assuring continued community support towards protecting electricity facilities and reporting illegal practices affecting effective power service delivery in Anambra State.
More photos from the event:
