News
PHED, Energy Giant Plan Deal To Boost Power Supply …Target 24/7 Electricity For PH Metropolis
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc in its resolve to achieve stable electricity supply to its customers has commenced discussions to sign an agreement with energy giant, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL).
This marriage, when eventually 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.
A statement signed by PHED Spokesman, John Anonyai, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, yesterday, indicated that, “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.”
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 statement added, “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 would be injected into Port Harcourt metropolis, regardless of the grid output.
“This additional energy input would 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 Peter 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 Nigeria 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,” the statement added.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
