By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FirstPower) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, held its 2026 Customer Engagement Forum for customers under the Awka/Enugwu-Ukwu District, as part of its continued efforts to strengthen customer relations, promote transparency, and address concerns relating to electricity supply and service delivery in Anambra State.
The forum, held in Awka, brought together customers, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and Management staff of the Company in an interactive session aimed at providing updates on FirstPower’s operations, explaining the realities of the electricity value chain, sharing safety tips, receiving feedback, and exploring practical ways of improving service delivery across the district and the state.
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, acknowledged customers’ patience and concerns over irregular power supply, explaining that the recent drop in electricity in Anambra State resulted largely from reduced allocation from the national grid. He disclosed that between November and December 2025, the State received about forty-five percent of its usual supply due to reduced generation by GENCOs, mainly caused by gas supply constraints. He noted that although supply has improved slightly in recent days, the situation remains unstable due to generation challenges, transmission limitations, funding gaps, and rising operational costs across the electricity value chain.
The MD explained that distribution companies depend on power received from the national grid and transmission, stressing that disruptions at any stage affect customers. He added that revenue from electricity bills sustains the entire value chain, including generation, transmission, gas supply, and network maintenance, and therefore appealed for prompt payment of bills, protection of installations, and continued cooperation, and provision of necessary information that will help to improve the Company’s services.
As part of FirstPower’s efforts towards improving its service in Anambra, the MD disclosed plans to commence embedded generation in Anambra state to reduce dependence on the national grid, further adding that two companies are already involved in the plans towards making the vision a reality. He also announced the establishment of FirstPower’s meter laboratory in Onitsha with a production capacity of about 2,500 meters daily to ensure meter availability for customers. He assured that the Company remains committed to improving service delivery within its ability for Ndị Anambra.
Speaking on safety standards, the FirstPower Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Engr. Tosin Fadairo, using video demonstrations, sensitized customers on the need for electrical safety, proper handling of installations, and avoidance of unsafe practices around power lines, transformers, and right-of-way areas. He warned against illegal connections, tampering with equipment, and other actions capable of endangering lives and damaging critical infrastructure.
In his own presentation on the operations of FirstPower, the Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Emeka Egbujor, explained the structure of the Nigerian electricity value chain, highlighting the roles of generation companies, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and distribution companies. He further outlined ongoing technical interventions by FirstPower towards improving supply stability, including feeder reconfiguration, load balancing, transformer maintenance, and plans for network expansion to meet increasing demand across the district and the state at large.
On commercial operations, the Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi, explained the Company’s billing system, metering programmes, and the ongoing ASAP initiative aimed at improving accountability, customer experience, and revenue assurance. She encouraged customers to take advantage of metering opportunities and to channel complaints through approved communication platforms.
Also speaking, the Head Technical, Engr. Okwudili Udechukwu, highlighted the effects of vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft on electricity supply, noting that damaged infrastructure leads to outages, higher operational costs, and poor service delivery. He appealed to customers to protect installations and report suspicious activities.
In her presentation on customer relations, the Head of Customer Service, Mrs. Obianuju Okafor, highlighted the various payment platforms as well as active complaint channels available to customers, including district offices, customer care lines, online platforms, and designated service centres. She assured customers that the Company is strengthening its response system to ensure quicker resolution of complaints and improved communication with consumers.
The forum featured an extensive interactive session during which customers raised concerns on power supply, billing, metering, feeder capacity, transformer faults, and response time, while also commending the FirstPower for providing such a forum, and requesting its regularity. Management officials provided clarifications and assured participants that all genuine concerns raised would receive necessary attention, calling for cooperation, mutual understanding, and responsible conduct from all stakeholders.
More photos from the event:
