Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated a five-member board for the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), charging the team to finalize negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and acquire the Umuahia ring-fence area as part of plans to secure independent electricity supply for the state capital and surrounding regions.
The newly appointed board includes Mr. Onyegbule Emeka as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ikowu Ukwu and Engr. Iheanyi Eze as Executive Directors, and Onwuegbule Kareem Eberechukwu and Dr. Joy Oti as Non-Executive Directors.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Government House in Umuahia, Governor Otti declared his intention to pull Umuahia and nearby LGAs Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, and Arochukwu off the national grid. He emphasized that resolving the power supply challenge in these areas is a priority of his administration.
“We are at the final stages of negotiations with EEDC. Once completed, payment will be made, and we will exit the EEDC system,” Otti said.
The Governor revealed that the state aims to utilize excess capacity from the recently operational Geometric Power plant, which currently has a capacity of 141 megawatts from three turbines, with a fourth turbine expected soon to bring the capacity to 188 megawatts. According to Otti, Aba’s electricity demand is estimated at about 100 megawatts, leaving a surplus of 88 megawatts which could be redirected to power Umuahia rather than being sent to the national grid.
“Our goal is to ensure that at least 88 megawatts is wheeled into Umuahia to guarantee stable power supply,” he stated, adding that steady electricity is critical for industrialization and overall economic development.
Otti also highlighted his long-term support for the Geometric Power project, which had been in planning for 20 years before finally becoming operational.
He expressed confidence in the board’s capacity to deliver, stating that their selection was based on merit and that they would be supported by the state’s Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday.
Responding on behalf of the board, Executive Director Engr. Iheanyi Eze thanked the Governor for the trust placed in them and pledged to work towards achieving reliable and affordable electricity for residents, while also ensuring effective customer service in the agency.
