Partnership Results in Geometric Power Commencement of Commercial Electricity Supply to Nine LGA’s
Geometric Power Ltd, in conjunction with the National Control Centre (NCC) based in Oshogbo, Osun State, has unveiled a comprehensive timetable for the distribution of electricity across the Aba ring-fenced area in Abia State.
This initiative follows the recent commissioning of the Aba Independent Power Project (IPP) by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
During a visit by an NCC team to the 188-megawatt Aba Independent Power IPP last weekend, an understanding was reached between both parties. The inspection of the IPP’s facilities the following day further solidified the collaboration.
The Aba IPP comprises a 188MW thermal plant situated in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba, alongside the establishment of the Aba Power Electric Company, which is tasked with distributing power to the Aba ring-fenced area. This area encompasses nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.
An engineer from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that commercial electricity supply to the nine LGAs commenced recently, with an initial release of 7MW. It is projected that an additional 7MW will be injected into the system weekly until the completion of the commissioning phase.
Isaac Ayodele, an energy consultant and former engineer with the defunct Power Holding Company (PHCN), anticipates that all 47MW from the first General Electric (GE) turbine will be supplied to consumers by the end of the month.
This represents a doubling of the electricity supply compared to the previous provision by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), which stood at 25MW for several months.
Ayodele further stated that by the end of April, power outages are expected to be eliminated in all nine local government areas serviced by Aba Power, the country’s 12th electricity distribution company and the newest entrant into the sector.
The leadership of Geometric Power has clarified that the excess 47MW from the third GE turbine will be directed to the national grid, as the current demand in Aba and its environs may not absorb more than 94MW.
There are indications that the Southeast governors are in discussions to sell the surplus 47MW to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for utilization in the five Southeastern states. An anonymous source at the South East Governors Forum in Enugu confirmed that discussions on this matter are nearing completion.
