By Michael Ovat -Awka
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with two power-sector companies, Capstone Energies Limited and North South Power Company Limited as part of the proposed distributed embedded electricity supply totalling 205 megawatts (MW) to its distribution network in Anambra State.
The agreements were signed on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Anambra State Electricity Market Investment Roundtable organised by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) at the International Convention Centre, Awka. The event brought together investors, financiers, government officials and key players across the electricity value chain, with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, delivering the keynote address.
Under the proposed arrangements, Capstone Energies Limited is to collaborate with FirstPower on 50MW of distributed embedded supply, while North South Power Company Limited is to explore a partnership for an additional 17MW.
The agreements provide a framework for further engagement towards making the proposed capacity available to FirstPower’s network, subject to the necessary technical, commercial and contractual arrangements.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Sir Emeka Offor, expressed strong confidence in Anambra State as an investment destination, citing its entrepreneurial population, commercial and industrial base, and the enormous opportunities available across the state.
Sir Offor, who delivered his speech through the Managing Director, EEDC HoldCo, Engr. Vincent Ekwuekwu, commended Governor Soludo’s vision of achieving 1,000MW of electricity supply for Anambra, describing it as an important economic transformation agenda capable of strengthening industries, expanding businesses, creating employment and improving the quality of life of residents.
The EEDC Chairman disclosed that FirstPower had committed ₦13.3 billion to priority network investments in 2027, with a further ₦40 billion planned for 2028 and 2029. He also revealed that arrangements were being finalised with generating and renewable energy companies for approximately 205MW of additional electricity capacity, while the company was exploring over 420MW of potential embedded generation and interconnected mini-grid opportunities for interested investors.
He further announced that FirstPower was concluding Power Purchase Agreement discussions for 55MW of electricity and had already signed an MOU with Greenewable Energy Limited for the development of 100MW of embedded generation. He described the two agreements signed at the roundtable with Capstone Energies and North South Power as further steps towards expanding electricity supply in Anambra.
Sir Offor also emphasised the need for a commercially sustainable electricity market, calling for transparent regulation, protection of investments and respect for contractual obligations. He identified electricity theft and vandalism as serious threats to investment, while urging stronger enforcement against such practices. He further stressed the importance of addressing revenue assurance and protecting electricity infrastructure from encroachment, expressing confidence that Anambra has the economic capacity and energy demand to attract long-term investment.
Speaking at the event, FirstPower’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, described the roundtable as an important opportunity to present the company’s network experience, operational data and investment needs to prospective partners.
He disclosed that FirstPower had completed network projects valued at approximately ₦3.7 billion as of November 2026, while additional projects worth about ₦16 billion had been approved and were at various stages of contracting.
Engr. Okafor noted that the full benefits of investments in distribution infrastructure would depend on improved electricity availability, explaining that FirstPower was actively engaging more than ten prospective investors to attract additional supply to its network.
He further highlighted some of the completed and ongoing projects in the firms network towards improving Ndị Anambra’s power experience, while also highlighting the targeted completion times and benefits of some of the completed and ongoing power infrastructure projects.
These include the completed rehabilitation of the Atani 2 x 15MVA Injection Substation, the rehabilitation and reconductoring of the Atani 33kV feeder, and the rehabilitation of the Harbour 33kV Industrial feeder, which are expected to improve supply reliability to the Premier area, five Band A feeders, Main Market and the Harbour Industrial Cluster.
He also outlined ongoing projects, including the capacity upgrade of the Ugwunwasike Injection Substation from 15MVA to 22.5MVA, the development of a dedicated Platinum feeder to provide round-the-clock electricity to Lighthouse Awka and other selected customers, as well as the metering of 87,000 customers across Band A feeders in the company’s ten districts. The metering initiative, targeted for completion in April 2027, is expected to eliminate estimated billing for the affected customers.
Among other approved projects are the 4.1-kilometre extension of the proposed Ekwulobia 33kV feeder to Ula, scheduled for October 2027; the complete rehabilitation of the Nnewi Industrial feeder, targeted for June 2027; and the rehabilitation of the Neni, Agulu and Orumba 33kV feeders, scheduled for July 2027. These projects are expected to improve electricity supply to major commercial and industrial customers, communities in the Ekwulobia district and other strategic locations, including areas around the proposed Anambra Aerotropolis Airport.
He also identified energy theft, consumer indebtedness and encroachment on electricity rights-of-way as major challenges threatening investment and the sustainability of the electricity market.
The FirstPower MD further called for stronger stronger legal framework by government, community intervention and cooperation from all stakeholders towards tackling the issue of energy theft, vandalism and other challenges affecting the sector.
Earlier in his keynote address, Governor Soludo said Anambra requires close to 1,000MW of electricity to adequately support its economy but currently receives approximately 102MW to 120MW from the national grid. He challenged stakeholders and investors to move beyond discussions and develop practical, measurable and verifiable solutions to close the gap, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment in the electricity market.
The agreements and investment commitments announced at the roundtable represent important steps towards expanding electricity supply and strengthening the state’s power infrastructure. FirstPower reaffirmed its readiness to work with the state government, ASERC, investors and other industry stakeholders to build a stronger electricity market and improve power supply to homes, businesses and industries across Anambra State.
