The dire state of electricity supply in Imo State has reached a breaking point, crippling economic activities and stalling development.
Power outages have become a norm rather than the exception, leaving residents and businesses grappling with high costs, inefficiency, and despair. The time to address this persistent issue is long overdue.
Small businesses, the lifeblood of any thriving economy, have borne the brunt of this power crisis. In Imo, artisans, shop owners, and small-scale entrepreneurs rely heavily on electricity to sustain operations.
Their struggles with sporadic power supply have stifled productivity, increased overhead costs due to dependence on generators, and led to closures in alarming numbers. The result is an economic slowdown that compounds the unemployment crisis in the state.
The lack of steady power supply is one of the primary reasons why Imo State has failed to attract large-scale factories and industries.
Investors are understandably reluctant to set up operations in a state where the power situation is abysmal. The existing ones are operating below capacity, unable to optimize their potential due to high energy costs and frequent outages. The spiral effect of this failure is profound, particularly in its impact on job creation for the youths of the State.
The hospitality industry, a key revenue driver in the state, is also reeling from the effects of unreliable electricity. Hotels, restaurants, and event centers have been forced to invest heavily in alternative energy sources, often passing the exorbitant costs to consumers. The allure of Imo State as a tourism and business destination is fading, as visitors lament the lack of regular electricity.
While the power supply crisis is not unique to Imo State, its severity raises troubling questions. Nigeria’s reported generation of over 5,000 megawatts recently should have translated to improved supply across the country. Instead, residents in Owerri and its environs receive less than four hours of electricity daily, a glaring failure by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
Accusations of load shedding and the indiscriminate billing of consumers by EEDC only add salt to the wounds.
Worst hit is Egbu Community in Owerri North LGA, which hosts the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). This substation is responsible for distributing electricity to the South East region. Yet, the community suffers from consistent and persistent power outages, crippling businesses and exacerbating the already dire situation.It is unconscionable that a host community to such a critical infrastructure would face such neglect.
The exorbitant electricity bills that residents endure are particularly galling. Despite the paltry supply, consumers are billed at rates that defy logic, leading to widespread anger and disillusionment.
The EEDC’s failure to align billing practices with service delivery undermines public trust and exacerbates the already dire situation.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has made commendable strides toward addressing the electricity crisis in Imo State. His administration has reportedly initiated projects aimed at boosting electricity infrastructure, including the upgrade of distribution networks.
The establishment of the Orashi Electricity Company and the rehabilitation of Egbema Power Station are notable achievements. Leveraging the new Electricity Act, the state government has taken bold steps to generate and distribute power independently across the State.
We have heard that these measures are aimed at ensuring regular power supply in the 27 local government areas by January 2025.
However, these efforts, though laudable, must be matched by swift implementation to ensure tangible results. The people of Imo cannot afford delays or unfulfilled promises.
These initiatives need to be fast-tracked to prevent further economic decline, and we hope these projects do not become white elephants.
The EEDC, as the primary distributor of electricity in the state, has a major role to play. The company must urgently address its operational shortcomings and enhance power delivery. Load shedding practices should be curtailed, and transparent communication with consumers should become standard practice.
For Imo State to realize its potential as an economic powerhouse in the Southeast, uninterrupted and affordable electricity is non-negotiable.
The current state of power supply is not only a barrier to growth but also a stark injustice to residents who deserve better. The time for excuses is over.
