• Friday, May 31, 2024
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BusinessDay

Otti hails end to power outages with Geometric plant

Otti inaugurates 3.5km 16-lane Ossah-Michael Okpara Square Road

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has declared the end of constant power outages in the state following the recent inauguration of the 181-megawatt Geometric Power plant in Aba.

“Power outage will be the exception rather than the rule,” Governor Otti declared during a chat on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.

The $800 million project, championed by Geometrics Power Limited, boasts the capacity to generate and distribute enough power to significantly improve the state’s electricity situation. It includes a 27-kilometer natural gas pipeline crucial for the plant’s operation.

Governor Otti, a former bank executive, provided insight into the project’s history, revealing his involvement in securing funding for the project back in 2010. However, unforeseen circumstances, including the sale of the Aba Invest Island and a shift in gas supply priorities, caused delays in its completion.

Upon assuming office in May 2023, Governor Otti prioritized resolving these issues and facilitating collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to secure a reliable gas supply.

Currently, the plant generates 141 megawatts of power, soon to be expanded to its full capacity of 181 megawatts upon the delivery of the final turbine. Residents are already experiencing the positive impact, having recently enjoyed 48 hours of uninterrupted power supply.

This significant development marks a turning point for Abia State, promising a future with reliable electricity and the potential for economic growth, particularly in the state’s industrial hub of Aba.