As part of efforts to achieve stable electricity power supply, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc has commenced discussions to sign an agreement with energy giant, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL).

Report says the marriage when eventual consummated would ultimately increase the quantum of energy available for distribution to the DisCo.

First Independent Power Limited is a subsidiary of Sahara Energy Group, a global energy firm with diverse portfolios in the upstream and downstream sectors of the energy industry. This initiative by both industry players is expected to deliver improved end to end services in the franchise area of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) had in September 2020 introduced the Service Based Tariff Model which categorised customers into the banding system, ranging from band A – E, where band A gets the highest minimum availability of power.

The agreement when eventually signed would allow premium customers to enjoy power availability 24/7. Some critical elements expected to be in the treaty include megawatts, capacity, heat rate, generating unit and O&M.

The bilateral agreement would exclusively bind the energy giant to generate a predetermined quantum of energy that will be injected into Port Harcourt metropolis regardless of the grid output.

This additional energy input will be distributed predominantly in the Alpha region of the Port Harcourt franchise area of the DisCO through the 33kv Feeder at Ordinance, radiating to Rivoc 11kv and Waterworks 11kv Feeders respectively with a line load dedicated to reserve estates within Trans Amadi Industrial Layout and Odili road axis of Port Harcourt.

The Alpha region of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, which is the industrial hub of the state, is a high-density area and boasts of countless industrial and commercial businesses with maximum demand for electricity by manufacturers and others.

This initiative by PHED and FIPL is a clear expression of PHED’s management continued commitment and willingness to meet the increasing demand for electricity by its customers and especially to provide the much needed energy stability for industrial users.

Not long ago, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc also signed a bilateral agreement with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigerian on April 9, 2021, to inject additional 100mgwts into Calabar metropolis.

The management of PHED will continue to explore existing and non-existing markets to ensure improved and stable electricity supply to its esteemed customers in fulfillment of our service level agreement.

Customers are also kindly advised to continue to pay their electricity bills, maintain our facilities and network and protect them from vandals to enable the Disco to continue its strategic investments aimed at improved service delivery to our customers.