…The project, which analysts say may form a precedent for other companies, comes after nearly 20 years and amidst several frustrating twists and turns.
…The ultimate worry is Geometrics’ sustainability: expanding profitability and retaining investors interest in the project as well as customers buy-in.
TUE, FEB 27 2024-theGBJournal| The Abia State Governor on Monday outlined the rules of engagement as Geometric Integrated Power Project officially began operations in Aba, to supply uninterrupted electricity to businesses and households across 9 local governments in Abia State within the Aba ring-fenced area.
The electricity supply is expected to cover households, businessess in manufacturing, agro-processing, metal fabrication, woodworks, ICT, fashion, services as well as retail businesses in Aba, a city considered pivotal to the economic trajectory of Nigeria and the West Africa region.
The project, which analysts say may form a precedent for other companies, comes after nearly 20 years and amidst several frustrating twists and turns.
The ultimate worry is Geometrics’ sustainability: expanding profitability and retaining investors interest in the project as well as customers buy-in.
Otti, the State Governor seemingly shares similar worries and was clear about his desire to see the project succeed.
”The success of this power project will not just validate my unyielding belief in Aba but would send a clear signal to local and international investors that Aba is open for business,” he said.
He noted that, ”the industrial output from this great city and its environs would triple and millions of new jobs would be created directly and indirectly in the short to medium term.”
”The onus is now on us to pay our electricity bills as and when due,” he said, while highlighting what he expects from both the citizens and the Geometrics, to make the project a success.
”There must be no attempt to sabotage the revenue flow to the company because projects like this require steady cash flow for effective operations — including payment for gas supplies.
Community leaders must also work closely with security agents to guard against any form of vandalisation of critical supply or distribution infrastructure either for reasons of criminality or wilful sabotage.
On its own part, the business division of Geometric Power must consistently guard against any form of customer extortion, under whatever guise.
I am glad to learn that the company had recently embarked on mass metering of households and business premises. It is my wish that the initiative is sustained until every customer gets a meter to gauge and manage their electricity consumption.”
According to Otti, standard practice with respect to customer protection as spelt out in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Customer Protection Regulations, 2023, must apply across service frontiers — customer disconnection, meter reading, billing, management and resolution of complaints.
”It must be borne in mind at all times that the customer is king, especially in these economically challenging times.”
For Geometric, he noted that their position as a monopoly within the operational area would in the medium to long term either become a door opener to other equally strategic markets, or a burden that would hurt the company’s capacity to expand to new territories.
”The choice is yours to make but I am of the view that if you serve Aba right through quality service delivery, wallet-friendly billing and responsiveness to customer complaints, the sky will simply be your starting point.”
He said as a government, and partner, they shall offer every necessary support to guarantee the success of this project because so much depends on it.
”My doors will remain open to engage and listen to you. I am also certain that other body of stakeholders including landlords, business and community leaders will never withhold their cooperation, if efforts are made to build faith and trust in your business model.
My message to Geometric Power and its subsidiaries is that their investments are very safe in Abia State, and will be profitable in the long run because Aba has always rewarded industry and innovation.”
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