TheCable

Residents of Aba have pledged their support for the recently inaugurated Geometric Power Limited (GPAL) in Abia state.

On February 27, Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 188-megawatt geometric power plant to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region.

NAN reports that some of the residents at the inauguration on Wednesday, assured the company of their support if it would provide them with reliable power supply, prepaid meters to manage their consumption, listen to and act timely on their complaints.

They explained that the community would afford the plant a conducive environment as long as it carries out its business in accordance with the law.

Goodluck Ibem, president-general, Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), said the company’s inauguration was a welcome development.

He said the possibility of residents of Aba enjoying 24-hour power supply, and every business getting a boost, would improve GPAL’s fortunes.

He urged GPAL to wipe estimated billings inherited from Enugu DisCo in order to ease the burden on consumers.

“My charge is that the Aba IPP should ensure transparency in their billing system so that energy consumers will be happy to pay,” Ibem said.

“Before now, some things have been happening which Aba power consumers have been kicking against, and which if they continue to toe those lines, would make them appear lawless and lose customer support.”

Victoria Chukwudimma, another resident of Aba, said power was usually supplied to them in the middle of the night when most industrial users would have no need for it.

Chukwudimma added that if the company does its business lawfully, Aba customers will support them.

“In Umuuchichi where we live, we are given estimated bills that are high and most times we are given N18, 000 to N20,000 per flat,” Chukwudimma said.

“We have tried to apply for prepaid meter but they are telling us to pay about N90,000 plus for single phase, so we want them to give us free prepaid meters to help us manage our consumption.”

Doris Nkemakolam also urged GPAL to serve customers as expected.