In a move to tackle Abia State’s power challenges, Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the five-member board of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA), vowing to pull Umuahia and surrounding LGAs out of the national grid and into a more reliable, localized power system.

The inauguration, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, marks a major step toward the state’s electricity independence. Governor Otti charged the new board to fast-track ongoing negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire the Umuahia ring-fence — which includes Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, and Arochukwu.

“We are almost at the finish line with EEDC,” Otti announced. “Once payment is made, we will exit Umuahia from the EEDC supply and redirect power from the surplus capacity of Geometric Power instead of feeding it into the national grid.”

Geometric Power, according to Otti, currently has a stored capacity of 188 megawatts, with three active turbines producing 141 megawatts and a fourth expected soon. The Aba ring-fence reportedly needs no more than 100 megawatts, leaving at least 88 megawatts available—power Otti plans to wheel directly to Umuahia.

“If we can harness that excess, we can guarantee steady power supply for Umuahia and its environs,” he said, stressing that stable electricity is crucial to the industrialization and economic growth of Abia State.

Governor Otti emphasized that ASERA board members were selected based on merit after undergoing rigorous interviews. He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver, especially with experienced Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, as part of the team.

Executive Director of ASERA, Engr. Iheanyi Eze, speaking on behalf of the board, assured the Governor of their readiness to deliver on the vision, promising affordable, reliable electricity and strong customer service.

The ASERA board includes:

Mr. Onyegbule Emeka – Chairman/CEO

Mr. Ikowu Ukwu – Executive Director

Engr. Iheanyi Ine Eze – Executive Director

Onwuegbule Kareem Eberechukwu – Non-Executive Director

Dr. Joy Oti – Non-Executive Director

Top state officials, including SSG Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and several commissioners, were present at the ceremony.