FIRSTPOWER HOLDS Q3 RETREAT, TARGETS IMPROVED SUPPLY, FASTER FAULT RESOLUTION AHEAD OF YULETIDE
October 11, 2026
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has held its third-quarter strategic retreat to review its performance from July to September 2026 and strengthen strategies for improved electricity supply, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across Anambra State.
The two-day retreat, held on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, at the company’s headquarters in Awka, featured presentations and reviews of activities across its ten districts, various operational units and the corporate headquarters, with the technical and operations team taking the first day, followed by the commercial team on the second day.
Declaring the retreat open, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, emphasised the importance of periodic performance reviews in identifying operational gaps, strengthening teamwork and preparing the company for the demands ahead and better performance, particularly ahead forthcoming the yuletide when Ndi Anambra and other residents return home to celebrate with their families.
He charged staff to intensify efforts towards improving electricity supply and customer experience before, during the festive period and beyond, stressing the need for faster fault resolution, effective communication with customers, stronger supervision and greater accountability at all levels. He also urged officers to take ownership of their respective areas, identify problems early and work together to deliver better results.
The MD highlighted some of the key challenges affecting the service of the company, including the ongoing transition to the ICT SuperEdge platform, energy offtake limitations at the TCN Awada transmission hub and the need to accelerate the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) metering project. He urged personnel to overcome the initial learning challenges associated with the new ICT platform, adopt practical measures to manage supply constraints and intensify meter deployment to meet the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (ASERC) December 2027 deadline for closing the metering gap.
He further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between District Business Managers and Operations Superintendents, noting that technical stability and commercial performance must work hand in hand. He called for improved field supervision, proactive problem-solving, reduced revenue leakages and sustained efforts to lower the company’s aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses.
Participants were equally encouraged to continue developing their professional skills, improving their knowledge and adding greater value to their respective responsibilities. Also discussed were plans for training initiatives to strengthen staff capacity, alongside reward and recognition mechanisms designed to appreciate outstanding performance, motivate employees and encourage greater dedication and commitment to duty.
The first day’s technical and operational review was coordinated by the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor, while the second day’s commercial review was led by the Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi. Officers responsible for the various units, districts and regional operations presented reports on their activities, achievements, challenges and areas requiring improvements or Management’s attention. The retreat was also attended by the Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Joy Ezeh; Heads of Departments; Regional Commercial Heads for the company’s two regions; and other senior personnel.
Another important issue reviewed during the retreat was the persistent challenge and reoccurrence of electricity infrastructure vandalism and energy theft. These, according to the Management, have become problems of major concern, as they continue to disrupt supply and impose heavy restoration costs on the company, while also throwing affected communities into darkness.
While acknowledging the arrest of some suspects and ongoing actions against alleged offenders, FirstPower reaffirmed its determination to intensify its anti-vandalism campaign through stronger collaboration with security agencies and host communities, public sensitisation and decisive action against vandalism, energy theft, illegal connections and meter bypass.
The retreat further featured interactive sessions between staff and the Management on operational, commercial and administrative matters, alongside discussions on initiatives through which the company could strengthen its giving back to society and improve community engagement.
A major outcome of the retreat was a renewed commitment by field officers to improve response time whenever faults or other system shortfalls occur, promptly escalate issues and minimise delays in restoring affected services. In line with the theme of the just-concluded 2026 Customer Service Week, “The Extra Mile,” which ended on the first day of the retreat, staff also pledged to go the extra mile in their duties to ensure customer satisfaction throughout the remaining quarter of the year and beyond.
The retreat equally provided an opportunity for management to commend staff who had distinguished themselves in their responsibilities while challenging those with identified lapses to improve their performance and close gaps.
The retreat ended with a renewed call for teamwork, professionalism, accountability and practical results as FirstPower works to improve service delivery and provide a better customer experience across Anambra State.
Signed:
Izunna Okafor
Head of Communications
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
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