A major shift may be on the horizon for electricity consumers in Anambra State as FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd unveils plans to commence round-the-clock power supply in select parts of the state, a development that has sparked both optimism and cautious skepticism among residents, businesses, and stakeholders who have long endured inconsistent electricity.
The announcement was made during the company’s annual customer engagement forum held in Awka, where top executives outlined a roadmap aimed at transforming the state’s power landscape. At the center of this ambitious plan is the deployment of dedicated energy infrastructure designed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity to key residential and industrial clusters, marking what the company describes as a deliberate attempt to redefine energy delivery standards in the region.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Technical Officer of the company, Dr Emeka Egbujor, disclosed that concrete arrangements have already been concluded to supply 24-hour electricity to strategic locations including Udoka Estate and Ngozika Estate in Awka. According to him, these areas will receive up to 10 megawatts of dedicated power, a capacity expected to ensure consistent electricity for homes and small businesses within those communities.
Beyond residential zones, the company is also targeting industrial hubs, particularly in Nnewi, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant manufacturing centers. Discussions are already underway with major industrial players such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd and other prominent firms to provide them with uninterrupted electricity supply. The move is expected to significantly boost industrial productivity, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and lower operating costs for businesses that have historically struggled with erratic power.
DDM News gathered that the backbone of this initiative is a Compressed Natural Gas-powered plant, which the company plans to deploy within a six to eight-month timeline starting from March 2026. This approach reflects a broader trend within Nigeria’s energy sector, where alternative and embedded generation solutions are increasingly being explored to complement the national grid, which has often proven unreliable due to systemic challenges.
According to Dr Egbujor, once operational, the project will not only serve the designated areas but also generate surplus capacity that could be distributed to other parts of the state. This, he noted, is part of a long-term strategy to gradually expand stable electricity access across Anambra, positioning the state as a model for decentralized power solutions in Nigeria.
The Managing Director of the company, Okechukwu Okafor, reinforced this vision, assuring customers that the initiative represents more than just a pilot project. He described it as a deliberate effort to “change the narrative” around electricity supply in the state, emphasizing that Anambra’s economic importance as a commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria demands a reliable and efficient power system.
He acknowledged, however, that the broader electricity sector continues to face significant challenges, including inadequate gas supply to power plants and persistent underfunding across the value chain. These issues, he explained, have contributed to recent fluctuations in power availability, with supply levels reportedly dropping to about 45 percent of previous capacity at certain points. Although there was a slight improvement in early 2026, the gains were not sustained, underscoring the fragility of the national grid.
DDM News understands that while federal authorities and industry stakeholders are currently engaged in discussions to address these systemic problems, initiatives like FirstPower’s embedded generation project may offer a more immediate and localized solution. By reducing dependence on the central grid, such projects could help insulate consumers from nationwide disruptions and create pockets of stable electricity supply.
Despite the optimism surrounding the announcement, reactions from consumers at the engagement forum revealed deep-seated frustrations. Many attendees voiced concerns over persistent power outages, erratic supply patterns, and the burden of estimated billing, which has often resulted in what they describe as inflated electricity charges. For many households and small businesses, the promise of 24-hour electricity is welcome, but trust remains fragile after years of unmet expectations.
Community leaders also raised allegations of misconduct involving some company staff, accusing them of colluding with certain individuals to extort money from residents. These claims highlight ongoing issues of transparency and accountability within the electricity distribution system, issues that stakeholders insist must be addressed if the new initiative is to succeed.
In response, the company’s leadership urged customers to report any cases of corruption directly to management, assuring them that disciplinary measures would be taken against erring staff. The company also encouraged consumers to adopt prepaid metering systems, noting that meters can now be installed within three weeks of application. This, they argued, would not only enhance billing transparency but also improve service delivery.
The Head of Customer Service, Obianuju Okafor, explained that the engagement forum was designed to create a platform for dialogue, allowing the company to better understand customer concerns and refine its strategies accordingly. She emphasized that feedback from consumers would play a crucial role in shaping the company’s operations moving forward.
As the planned rollout of 24-hour electricity supply approaches, the stakes are high for both FirstPower and the residents of Anambra State. For the company, success would represent a significant milestone in its efforts to redefine electricity distribution in Nigeria. For consumers, it could mark the beginning of a long-awaited transformation in daily life, reducing dependence on generators, lowering energy costs, and improving overall quality of living.
However, the true test will lie in execution. Delivering consistent power in a sector plagued by infrastructural deficits, regulatory complexities, and operational inefficiencies is no small feat. As such, while the promise of uninterrupted electricity offers hope, many residents remain cautiously optimistic, watching closely to see whether this latest initiative will finally deliver on its ambitious promise or join the long list of unrealized reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
