Delta Targets 120MW Power Boost, Moves To Cut Reliance On National Grid

The Delta State Government is pursuing a plan to augment electricity generation and supply in the region by adding 120 megawatts (MW) to the national grid, as announced at a press conference in Asaba. This initiative, spearheaded by the State Commissioner for Works and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, forms part of broader reforms seeking to open up the power sector to private investors.

The aim is to alleviate the pressure on the national grid and bolster power availability for businesses, households, and communities in Delta. The government is particularly interested in leveraging the state's abundant natural gas resources for electricity generation, with the Kwale Free Trade Zone serving as a prime opportunity for investors.

Aniagwu highlighted an existing 8.5MW Independent Power Plant at the state secretariat in Asaba as a successful example of alternative power sources, which has allowed the complex to operate independently of the national grid. This partnership with Supply Power is poised to further enhance the state's electricity supply capacity, providing a more reliable power base for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Delta State Government is also intervening in areas traditionally managed by electricity distribution companies, recognizing that insufficient power supply has hindered economic development. They are extending the electricity grid from Abraka towards the Ndokwa region to connect more communities. However, the commissioner voiced concerns over the burden placed on communities, which often provide transformers and infrastructure, only for distribution companies to take over the facilities and bill the communities without adequate accounting.

The state government is working with the Ministry of Energy and a committee to develop a regulatory framework for the emerging power sector. The proposed energy commission will regulate new electricity producers, set appropriate tariffs, and oversee distribution networks. Aniagwu stressed the importance of effective regulation to protect consumers and investors, emphasizing the need to prevent electrocution and other hazards associated with unregulated power expansion.