FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has inspected major power infrastructure projects in Awada and Atani, reaffirming its commitment to improving electricity supply and strengthening network reliability across Anambra State.
The inspection was led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, alongside members of the company’s management team.
Other members of the delegation included the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor; Head of Operations, Engr. Ifeoma Uba; System Planner, Engr. Uche Ezekwem, and the Head of Communications.
At the Awada Transmission Station, the FirstPower team met with the Assistant General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Awada, Engr. Okonkwo Ifeanyi Titus, to discuss the progress of ongoing projects before proceeding to inspect the facilities.
A major component of the intervention at the station is the replacement of the faulty 60MVA, 132/33kV transformer with a higher-capacity 100MVA, 132/33kV transformer.
The project also includes the construction of a dedicated 33kV bay and overhead line connection, as well as the installation of an earthing transformer.
The upgrade is expected to significantly increase the capacity of the Awada Transmission Station and address existing transformer limitations that have affected electricity supply and network operations in Awada, Onitsha and surrounding areas.
FirstPower said the new 100MVA transformer would enable the company to receive and distribute more bulk electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers while reducing load constraints associated with the previous capacity.
The dedicated 33kV bay and related protection infrastructure are also expected to improve operational stability and enhance the reliability of outgoing feeders by reducing faults and avoidable disruptions within the network.
The management team also visited the Atani 2x15MVA, 33/11kV Injection Substation, where maintenance and upgrade works are currently ongoing under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, DISREP.
The scope of work at the facility includes the replacement of two ageing 33kV outdoor transformer panels, nine obsolete 11kV bus panels, and the reconstruction and upgrading of the substation’s control room.
According to the company, the intervention is aimed at modernising the facility, improving equipment safety and reliability, and restoring its optimal operational capacity to meet the growing electricity needs of customers in the affected areas.
When completed, the upgraded Atani Injection Substation is expected to reduce forced trippings on outgoing feeders, improve asset protection and minimise equipment failures and other technical faults capable of disrupting power supply.
The project will also restore the substation’s full 30MVA wheeling capacity, thereby strengthening electricity supply to industrial, commercial and residential customers across the Ogbaru area and parts of the Onitsha distribution corridor.
Speaking during the inspection, Engr. Okafor reiterated FirstPower’s determination to continue investing in critical infrastructure and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address network challenges and build a more reliable electricity distribution system across Anambra State.
He noted that infrastructure development and regular maintenance remained central to the company’s efforts to improve service delivery, adding that FirstPower was pursuing both immediate interventions and long-term network development projects to meet the growing electricity demands of the state’s population and economy.
Okafor said the company would continue to pursue strategic investments and partnerships aimed at improving the efficiency, safety and reliability of electricity distribution services.
The working visit also provided the FirstPower management team an opportunity to assess the quality and level of work at both project sites and engage directly with relevant technical teams on the progress of the projects.
With work progressing at the Awada and Atani facilities, the projects are expected to significantly strengthen FirstPower’s distribution network, improve electricity stability and enhance service delivery and customer experience across the affected areas upon completion.
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