Etche Communities Receive Power After Over a Decade as Aba Power Expands to Rivers

History has been recorded in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State as several communities have begun receiving electricity from Aba Power, a distribution company based in Aba, Abia State.

Residents say the development marks the first time in over 10 years that they are enjoying a stable electricity supply.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters at his office, the Chairman of Etche LGA, Hon. Chima Njoku expressed excitement over the breakthrough.

“My joy knows no bounds as my people now have constant, quality and affordable electricity for the first time in years,” he said, likening his experience to that of the biblical Simeon who rejoiced after witnessing a long-awaited promise fulfilled.

A resident and fish farmer in the Umuola community, Mrs. Bernadette Obi said the communities had endured years of darkness before the intervention. She credited the council chairman for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the electricity challenge.

According to her, Njoku procured distribution transformers for several communities to ensure widespread access once supply was restored. She added that the chairman personally approached Aba Power because of its service reputation.

Confirming the development, Aba Power’s Senior Brand and Communication Manager, Edise Ekong, said the company initially hesitated since Etche falls within the jurisdiction of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).

However, following engagements involving PHEDC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), all parties reached an agreement allowing Aba Power to supply electricity to the affected communities.

Ekong said residents have expressed satisfaction with both the stability and pricing of the electricity.

“It has been a week now without any interruption in supply,” he said, adding that service continuity would depend largely on steady gas supply and protection of infrastructure from vandalism.

He further disclosed that other state governments, communities, and major manufacturers outside Aba Power’s ring-fenced area are currently in talks with the company for potential supply arrangements.

Aba Power is Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company.