Four Weeks Power Outage In Rivers Begins, Today

The much-talked about electricity outage in Rivers State begins today as contractors handling a major maintenance job on the 132KV line of Afam power plant pull out the circuit which feeds most parts of the state.

The outage is planned to last for over four weeks beginning from 8am to 6pm daily.

The Chief Executive Officer of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), Engr Fatai Rotimi Onanuga said the aim of the outage is to improve services to the residential and commercial customers of the company.

According to the PHEDC boss, the maintenance is a deliberate commitment of the Federal Government to improve and adequately satisfy the growing demand of consumer needs, stressing that when completed, there would be far more power supply than the entire state would need in their individual social and economic lives.

The lines were installed over 50 years ago and have become saturated and can’t carry the quantum of energy delivered through it. No amount of transformers can change the situation unless the lines are changed, he said.

Engr Onanuga, who appealed for the understanding and co-operation of the public, advised Rivers people, especially those who get their supply from the Afam power plant, to re-adjust by making provision of alternative means of power supply while the maintenance work lasts.

In a forum organised in Port Harcourt to intimate members of the public on the dynamics of the exercise, Engineer Onanuga, solicited for the collaboration of the police, army and the company’s esteemed customers to be on alert as some evil men would want to take undue advantage of the period of outage to vandalise facilities of the company, particularly the transformers.

Engr Onanuga, who was represented at the forum by Engr Eugene I. Chuku, Principal Manager, Operations and Maintenance, urged law abiding citizens to alert security agents or any of the nearest PHCN office of any suspicious move, noting that the growing cases of vandalism do not only affect the revenue generation of the company but also affect directly the supply needs of the people.

He also advised customers of PHCN to put their generators in order in preparation for the situation, and to also be careful in handling fuel and diesel considering their fragile nature, to avoid fire outbreak.

The PHEDC boss promised that when the major maintenance work is concluded by the end of August, the problem of power outage or low-current would be a thing of the past as there would be far more power available than what the city of Port Harcourt and its environs would need for the people’s social comfort and economic survival.

He equally advised electricity consumers not to be in a hurry to switch on their gadgets when the power is switched on at 6pm as there might be too much current capable of damaging their gadgets.

Chairman, Electricity Committee of Elekahia Community, Mr Nkem Adele assured PHCN of full co-operation by members of the community.

“We are happy that the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and PHCN are embarking on this major work to improve power supply, and we assure you that we as a community, would collaborate with you to ensure that no PHCN staff is molested and any criminal who feels he or she will use this period to steal PHCN property would be treated as an enemy of Elekahia community”, he said.

Also speaking, the chairman, Customer Consultative Council Forum in Borikiri Unit of PHCN, Pastor Hanson said, “if it is sincerely to increase power transmission by more than 100 per cent I think, it is okay”.

The forum chairman urged consumers of electricity in the unit to prove themselves as partners in progress by supporting the initiative of government and PHCN, since it is aimed at improving supply for their needs.

When our correspondent sort to know the estimated loss in revenue generation PHCN would incur within the period of outage, the Principal Public Affairs Manager of PHEDC, Mr Obidili said, “we’ve not quantified it, but arrangement is being made with Rivers State Government to supply power to Port Harcourt from Omoku and Trans Amadi Gas Turbines. No total blackout”.

Chris Oluoh

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (left) being welcomed by ArchBishop Sam Amaga of Foundation Faith Church Worldwide during the dedication service of The City of Faith Cathedral held in Port Harcourt, yesterday