Imo State Launches Orashi Project to Boost Power Supply

On October 1, 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma inaugurated the first phase of the Orashi Electric Project in Owerri, Imo State, coinciding with the state's 50th anniversary. The project includes a 15MVA 33/11kV injection substation, which Uzodimma described as a gift to the people, aimed at resetting the economic destiny of the state amidst Nigeria's ongoing power challenges.

The project is part of a broader effort to decentralize Nigeria's power sector, following the signing of the Electricity Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, which allows states to invest directly in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. The initiative is expected to stabilize power supply across Owerri and reduce operational costs for local businesses, thereby boosting investor confidence and creating job opportunities.

The project also includes a 15-kilometer 33kV transmission line and a 45-kilometer distribution network, with plans to extend power provision to all 27 local government areas in Imo State.