FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FirstPower) has intensified efforts to remove illegal structures erected under power lines in the Awka/Abagana District, as part of measures to ensure environmental safety and protect lives and property.

Speaking during a Customer Engagement Forum held in Awka, Anambra State, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Okechukwu Okafor, disclosed that the company is partnering with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) to enforce the removal of such structures.

Okafor warned against illegal connections, tampering with electrical equipment, and other unsafe practices capable of endangering lives and damaging critical infrastructure. He noted that revenue from electricity bills sustains the entire value chain—generation, transmission, gas supply, and network maintenance—and urged customers to pay their bills promptly, protect installations, and cooperate with the company to improve service delivery.

He further explained that distribution companies depend on power supplied from the national grid, stressing that disruptions at any stage of the value chain inevitably affect end users.

In a presentation on Public Safety Awareness Campaign with a focus on violations of power line right-of-way in the Awka/Abagana District, FirstPower’s Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Engr. Tosin Fadairo, sensitised customers on the need for electrical safety, proper handling of installations, and the avoidance of unsafe practices around power lines, transformers, and designated right-of-way areas.

Fadairo listed common violations in the area to include markets and street trading activities under power lines. He cautioned against planting tall trees, constructing buildings, fences, sheds, and shops within power line corridors, as well as operating cranes, high-reach equipment, or installing TV antennas that could come in contact with power lines.

He outlined the required safety clearance levels as follows: 330kV lines require 25 metres on either side (50 metres total width); 132kV lines require 15 metres on either side (30 metres total width); 33kV and 11kV lines require 5.5 metres on either side (11 metres total width); while low voltage 415V lines require similar 5.5-metre clearance on either side.

Also speaking, the Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Emeka Egbujor, explained the structure of Nigeria’s electricity value chain, comprising Generating Companies (GenCos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (DisCos). He highlighted ongoing technical interventions by FirstPower, including feeder reconfiguration, load balancing, transformer maintenance, and plans for network expansion to improve supply stability across the district and the state.

On commercial operations, the Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi, explained the company’s billing system, metering programmes, and the ongoing ASAP initiative aimed at improving accountability, customer experience, and revenue assurance. She encouraged customers to take advantage of metering opportunities and to channel complaints through approved communication platforms.

The Head of Technical, Engr. Okwudili Udechukwu, warned against vandalism of electricity infrastructure, including transformers, power lines, and meters, as well as illegal connections and energy theft. He noted that such acts lead to outages, increased operational costs, and poor service delivery, and urged customers to protect installations and report suspicious activities.

Similarly, the Head of Customer Service, Mrs. Obianuju Okafor, highlighted the availability of multiple payment platforms and complaint channels, including district offices, customer care lines, online platforms, and designated service centres. She assured customers of prompt response mechanisms to ensure quicker resolution of complaints and improved communication.