Power Firm Seeks Private Investment To Tackle Supply Crisis In Anambra
A Shift Away from Grid Dependence
FIRST Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FirstPower) has unveiled plans to reduce its reliance on Nigeria’s fragile national grid by developing embedded power generation in Anambra State, marking a strategic shift aimed at stabilising electricity supply and improving customer experience.
The initiative, to be implemented in partnership with private investors, reflects a growing recognition within the power sector that the national grid alone can no longer meet demand. Instead, decentralised energy solutions are emerging as a viable alternative.
Confronting Systemic Weaknesses
Speaking at a customer engagement forum in Awka, Managing Director and CEO Okechukwu Okafor acknowledged widespread frustration among consumers over erratic electricity supply.
He revealed that the state’s electricity allocation dropped to about 45 percent of normal levels between November and December 2025, largely due to reduced generation capacity linked to gas supply constraints.
Although supply has slightly improved, instability persists—a reflection of deeper structural challenges across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
The Limits of Distribution Companies
Okafor emphasised a critical but often misunderstood reality: distribution companies operate at the tail end of the electricity value chain.
They depend entirely on power generated and transmitted by upstream operators. As such, disruptions in generation or transmission inevitably translate into poor supply for end users.
“Without adequate funding across the system, electricity delivery cannot be sustained,” he noted, underscoring the interconnected nature of the sector.
Embedded Power as a Strategic Solution
The proposed embedded generation model is designed to complement grid supply by producing electricity closer to consumers.
By reducing dependence on centralised infrastructure, the approach could mitigate transmission losses, improve reliability, and provide a more stable power supply for homes and businesses.
Industry analysts view this as part of a broader transition toward decentralised energy systems, particularly in regions where grid performance has been inconsistent.
Local Challenges: Vandalism and Energy Theft
Beyond systemic issues, FirstPower highlighted local challenges undermining service delivery.
Vandalism, illegal connections, and non-payment of bills continue to strain the network, according to technical experts including Okwudili Udechukwu.
The company urged communities to take ownership of electricity infrastructure by safeguarding transformers and distribution lines, suggesting measures such as solar-powered lighting and surveillance systems to deter sabotage.
Metering and Infrastructure Investments
To address billing concerns, FirstPower announced the deployment of over 13,000 prepaid meters across Anambra, with additional units expected under a federal programme.
The company is also establishing a meter production facility in Onitsha, with a daily capacity of 2,500 units—an ambitious move aimed at closing the metering gap and reducing reliance on estimated billing.
Safety, Transparency, and Consumer Trust
Officials also stressed the importance of safety compliance, warning against building within power line corridors due to risks of electrocution and fire.
On customer relations, consumers were encouraged to use official payment channels and report unauthorised charges, with the company reiterating that infrastructure repairs are its sole responsibility.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
The engagement concluded with a clear message: improving electricity supply requires collaboration.
While FirstPower is pursuing investment and innovation, it insists that consumer cooperation—through timely payments, vigilance, and responsible usage—is equally essential.
Despite ongoing sector challenges, Okafor expressed cautious optimism that a combination of embedded generation, private investment, and stakeholder engagement could gradually transform electricity delivery in Anambra.
