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 efforts to expand electricity supply and strengthen power infrastructure across Anambra State.
The agreements were signed at the Anambra State Electricity Market Investment Roundtable, organised by the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
The MOUs form part of FirstPower’s proposed 205-megawatt (MW) distributed embedded electricity supply initiative for its distribution network in Anambra.
Under the proposed arrangements, Capstone Energies Limited will collaborate with FirstPower on 50MW of distributed embedded power supply, while North South Power Company Limited will explore a partnership for an additional 17MW.
The agreements provide a framework for further engagement towards making the proposed electricity 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, represented by the Managing Director of EEDC HoldCo, Engr. Vincent Ekwuekwu, expressed confidence in Anambra State as an investment destination, citing its entrepreneurial population, commercial and industrial base, and vast economic opportunities.
Offor commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of achieving 1,000MW of electricity supply for Anambra, describing it as a significant economic transformation agenda capable of strengthening industries, expanding businesses, creating employment opportunities and improving residents’ quality of life.
He disclosed that FirstPower had committed ₦13.3 billion to priority network investments in 2027, with an additional ₦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.
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According to him, FirstPower is concluding Power Purchase Agreement discussions for 55MW of electricity and has already signed an MOU with Greenewable Energy Limited for the development of 100MW of embedded generation.
He described the agreements with Capstone Energies and North South Power as further steps towards expanding electricity supply in Anambra.
Offor emphasised the need for a commercially sustainable electricity market, calling for transparent regulation, investment protection and respect for contractual obligations.
He identified electricity theft and vandalism as major threats to investment, urging stronger enforcement against such practices. He also stressed the importance of revenue assurance and protecting electricity infrastructure from encroachment, expressing confidence that Anambra has the economic capacity and energy demand to attract long-term investments.
In his remarks, FirstPower’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Okechukwu Okafor, described the roundtable as an important opportunity to present the company’s network experience, operational data and investment requirements 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.
Okafor noted that the full benefits of investments in distribution infrastructure would depend on improved electricity availability, explaining that FirstPower was engaging more than ten prospective investors to attract additional power supply to its network.
He also highlighted completed and ongoing projects aimed at improving electricity supply and enhancing the power experience of Ndị Anambra.
Among the completed projects are the rehabilitation of the Atani 2 x 15MVA Injection Substation, rehabilitation and reconductoring of the Atani 33kV feeder, and rehabilitation of the Harbour 33kV Industrial feeder.
The projects are expected to improve supply reliability to the Premier area, five Band A feeders, Main Market and the Harbour Industrial Cluster.
He further outlined ongoing projects, including the upgrade of the Ugwunwasike Injection Substation from 15MVA to 22.5MVA and the development of a dedicated Platinum feeder to provide round-the-clock electricity to Lighthouse Awka and other selected customers.
Another major initiative is the metering of 87,000 customers across Band A feeders in the company’s ten districts. The exercise, scheduled for completion in April 2027, is expected to eliminate estimated billing for the affected customers.
Other approved projects include 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 within the Ekwulobia district and other strategic locations, including areas around the proposed Anambra Aerotropolis Airport.
The FirstPower MD identified energy theft, consumer indebtedness and encroachment on electricity rights-of-way as major challenges threatening investments and the sustainability of the electricity market.
He called for a stronger legal framework, government support, community intervention and cooperation among stakeholders to tackle electricity theft, vandalism and other challenges affecting the sector.
In his keynote address, Governor Soludo disclosed that 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 bridge the electricity supply gap.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment in the state’s electricity market.
The agreements and investment commitments announced at the roundtable represent further steps towards expanding electricity supply and strengthening Anambra’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 the state.
The event brought together investors, financiers, government officials and key players across the electricity value chain.
