Aba Power Boasts of Sufficient Electricity Supply to Sustain Local Industry
By: NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Managing Director of Aba Power, Ugo Opiegbe, says the electricity distribution company has strengthened its network and is now fully capable of meeting the energy needs of manufacturers across its coverage areas in Abia State.
Speaking with the media, Opiegbe noted that it is no longer economically wise for any manufacturing firm in Aba or its environs to build its own power plant for electricity self-generation.
According to him, the era of companies investing in what the industry calls “captive plants” is fading out because Aba Power Electric Ltd, Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company (DisCo), now provides sufficient and quality electricity to its customers.
Aba Power currently serves nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.
60 Days of Uninterrupted Power and Reliable Gas Supply
Opiegbe disclosed that the company recently celebrated 60 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply within the Aba Ring-fenced Area, powered by steady natural gas flow from Heirs Energies.
“There was an interruption for a few hours due to a technical challenge at a gas facility belonging to our partner, but gas supply was quickly restored,” he recalled, adding that the swift action demonstrated that Heirs Energies is positioning itself to compete strongly with international oil companies in Nigeria.
Manufacturers Reaping Huge Cost Benefits
Although Opiegbe did not mention names of companies previously planning to build captive plants, media reports suggest that a major European beverage manufacturer had considered doing so due to decades of unreliable public power supply.
He said such decisions were based on old realities before the commissioning of the 188-megawatt Geometric Power gas-fired plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout and the improved gas supply now sustaining stable electricity in Aba.
He revealed that prominent industrial players like PZ, which receive power from Aba Power, have experienced a remarkable reduction in operational costs because they “practically have nothing to do with self-generated power anymore.”
“Self-generation is very expensive,” he emphasized. “Industrialists in Aba relied on it in the past because they had no alternative.”
Cleaner Environment as Generators Go Silent
Opiegbe noted that beyond cost savings, the shift away from generator usage has improved environmental conditions in Aba.
He explained that Aba, a major industrial hub, previously suffered heavy air and noise pollution due to constant generator use by factories, homes, hospitals, and institutions.
“Today, generators have gone silent,” he said. “No more noise pollution and no more harmful emissions from thousands of machines that were damaging the environment and the ozone layer.”
Environmental Irony for European Companies?
The MD pointed out that it would be ironic for a European manufacturer operating in Nigeria to contribute to pollution through heavy generator use when countries like Germany and the Netherlands are leading global campaigns for environmental protection.
“I don’t think that irony can be lost on any person,” he remarked.
