Gas Shortage Threatens Steady Electricity Supply in Aba Environs – Geometric Power
The Geometric Power Plant in Aba, Abia State, is grappling with a severe shortage of natural gas, hampering its ability to provide steady electricity to the region.
The 188-megawatt plant, located in the Osisioma Industrial Estate, plays a crucial role in powering the state’s economy but has been forced to scale back operations due to the crisis.
Ugo Opiegbe, Managing Director of Geometric Power, expressed concern over the impact of the gas shortage on both the company and the state’s economic growth. He noted that the Aba Ringfence, which serves nine of Abia State’s 17 Local Government Areas, requires around 90 megawatts of electricity, a demand that could be met by two of the plant’s three turbines, each with a capacity of 47 megawatts.
“Due to the severe gas shortage, we’ve had to import 25 megawatts from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company at a significant cost, just to ensure that our customers receive power, regardless of the financial strain on us,” Opiegbe stated.
Despite having the capability to generate 141 megawatts, Geometric Power has been forced to limit production. The company also exports around 50 megawatts to the national grid but has to rely on imports to maintain local supply.
“The 25 megawatts we are importing is merely a drop in the ocean,” Opiegbe added, emphasizing that the unreliable gas supply is affecting not only residential customers but also manufacturing firms.
However, Opiegbe remains hopeful, stating, “We expect to overcome the gas shortage within a month.”
The Aba power integrated project, commissioned in February 2024 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is regarded as the South-East’s largest private sector investment.
