“Band A Maximum Demand (MD) customers, who receive power for at least 20 hours daily, will now pay between N114.66 and N117.1 per kilowatt hour (KWh), from N109.79 KWh,” confirmed Ugo Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power Ltd, in a telephone interview with our energy reporter, Ferdie Agu, this morning.
Opiegbe emphasized, “It is still the lowest in the country for that category of customers,” contrasting it with rates charged by other electricity firms.
“The Southeast zone of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) had three weeks ago commended Aba Power,” noted Engineer Joe Ubani, ECAN Southeast Zonal Chairman, and Secretary Comrade Chris Okpara.
Engineer Cliff Eneh, a former senior manager with the defunct National Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (NEPA), agreed, describing both Professor Bart Nnaji and Geometric Power as “hugely self-sacrificing.”
He further added, “Frankly, they behave like people in a vocation whose mission is to provide affordable, quality, and constant power to the citizens, despite all they have gone through in the last 20 years.”
Aba Power’s decision to adjust its tariff comes almost two months after the other 11 electricity distribution companies in Nigeria increased their rates for Band A customers due to the prevailing economic situation in the country. Despite this adjustment, Aba Power remains committed to providing affordable electricity to its customers.
“Our Band A MD customers are primarily industrialists who are unfortunately experiencing serious headwinds,” Opiegbe noted, emphasizing the importance of supporting industries in the region. He highlighted the efforts of Professor Bart Nnaji, the founder and chairman of the Geometric Power Group, in establishing the 188-MW gas-fired plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba.
Professor Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, brought his expertise in manufacturing engineering from the United States to Nigeria, setting up the Aba Independent Power Project. Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned this project on February 26, 2024, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The Southeast zone of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has been vocal in its support of Aba Power. They commended the company for retaining the approved tariff structure in nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in Abia where it supplies electricity. This consistency reflects Aba Power’s dedication to its customers and the community it serves.
Engineer Joe Ubani and Comrade Chris Okpara of ECAN Southeast highlighted the unique position of Aba Power, noting that it has not benefited from the subsidies paid to other distribution companies since the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) assets in November 2013. This observation underscores the challenges faced by Aba Power in fulfilling its mission.
Engineer Cliff Eneh, drawing from his experience in both Nigerian and American power industries, praised the self-sacrifice of Professor Nnaji and Geometric Power. He emphasized their commitment to providing affordable, quality, and constant power to the citizens, despite the obstacles they have encountered over the years.
Aba Power’s decision to adjust its tariff while maintaining its position as the nation’s lowest demonstrates its commitment to its customers and the community. Despite the challenges facing the electricity sector in Nigeria, Aba Power continues to strive for excellence and affordability in its service delivery. GMTNewsng
