The managing director of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd, Okechukwu Okafor, says the firm plans to deliver world-class energy services in Anambra to transform power supply in Nigeria.

FirstPower recently obtained a licence from the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission to distribute electricity in the state.

The development effectively transfers the responsibility for power distribution from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to FirstPower.

Mr Okafor, in an interview with journalists in Awka, described the development as a “landmark event” for the company and the state.

“We have been on ground for months, even before the inauguration of the commission, because we anticipated the legislation backing its establishment.

“We want all stakeholders to know that it is no longer EEDC; FirstPower, an independent company, is now in charge of power distribution in Anambra,” he said.

Mr Okafor said the company would work closely with ASERC and industrial groups to improve power supply in the state.

He added that FirstPower would also engage grassroots communities to enhance public understanding of electricity distribution processes.

“We are also partnering with the media to ensure transparent communication with residents. We are committed to the state’s progress, especially in the power sector. The perception of the sector as exploitative will change. Our focus is on the customer because the customer is the platform for our success,” he said.

Mr Okafor noted that many consumers were unhappy due to inadequate understanding of billing processes.

He assured that improved engagement among the company, government and residents would enhance customer satisfaction.

On metering, Mr Okafor said the company’s priority was to ensure all consumers were fully metered to eliminate estimated billing and energy losses.

“Estimated billing comes with variations, sometimes in favour of the customer or the company. But power theft also contributes to unfair billing, and innocent consumers suffer for it. Our focus is to get everybody metered. It is not a small task; it requires huge investment,” he said. “The federal government and the World Bank have been supportive, and we expect the state government and private sector to join in.”

Mr Okafor explained that metering was crucial for ensuring accountability for both consumers and the company. He noted that FirstPower pays the Transmission Company of Nigeria for all energy supplied but still suffers significant losses from unmetered consumption.

Mr Okafor announced that the company would commence a mass metering project by the week of December 8, with an additional major phase beginning in January 2026.

“We plan to make a major impact in the power industry. If not across Nigeria, certainly in the South-East. We will set a standard for others. By the end of 2027, there will be a significant change in the power landscape,” he said. 

(NAN)