FirstPower Commences Prepaid Meter Sales in Anambra Amid Calls to Curb Infrastructure Vandalism
By Chizoba Njaka
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) serving Anambra State, has commenced the sale of prepaid electricity meters as part of measures to enhance service delivery.
The Managing Director, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, disclosed this during a two-day public consultation on draft electricity regulations convened by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) at Umuenem Hall, Nnewi. The announcement follows sustained pressure from stakeholders regarding protracted power outages in the Anambra South Senatorial District.
According to Mr. Okafor, single-phase meters are obtainable at N124,000 and three-phase meters at N207,000 from FirstPower offices across the state. He confirmed that traditional rulers and presidents-general of communities have been duly notified of the development.
Hon. Golden Iloh, member representing Ihiala II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, joined other stakeholders in seeking clarification on the persistent outages. In response, Mr. Okafor stated that illegal tampering with infrastructure and vandalism account for 80 percent of the state’s electricity supply challenges.
The Managing Director reaffirmed FirstPower’s commitment to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of a digital, livable, and prosperous Anambra State, and solicited the cooperation of residents and security agencies in combating electricity theft and protecting power infrastructure.
Residents who spoke with journalists within the affected areas expressed strong expectations for a comprehensive and enduring solution to the prevailing situation.