MainPower kicks-off N3.5billion DISREP network rehabilitation, upgrade projects in Enugu

By Venica Uchechukwu Enugu 

The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has commenced a major ₦3.5 billion network rehabilitation and upgrade program aimed at improving the quality, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply across parts of Enugu State.

The projects are being implemented under the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria supported by the World Bank.

The Managing Director of MainPower, Ernest Mapwaya, told newsmen in Enugu on Thursday that DISREP would strengthen Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector through metering, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, reduction of technical and commercial losses, and improvement in service delivery.

He said that the first phase of the scope of the projects cover the rehabilitation and upgrading of the following critical infrastructure: the 9th Mile Injection Substation; the 9th Mile Industrial Feeder; and the Coca-Cola 33 kV Feeder.

“It will also cover installation of seven new 500 kVA, 11/0.415 kV distribution transformers; rehabilitation of 10 existing 500 kVA distribution transformers; and provision of 11 kV switch-gear to improve system protection, control and operational flexibility.

“The works are expected to be completed within five weeks. Contractors will work daily, including weekends, to ensure timely delivery,” he said.

The managing director stressed that a major component of the project is the upgrade of the approximately 28-kilometre Coca-Cola 33 kV Line running from the Oji River Transmission Station to the 9th Mile Injection Substation.

“The line, which currently operates on a 50mm² aluminum conductor single circuit, will be upgraded to a 150mm² Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) double circuit.

“The upgraded line will have a combined design thermal transfer capability of up to 36MW, subject to prevailing system conditions, voltage regulation and other operational requirements. 

“The additional capacity will strengthen electricity supply to the 9th Mile industrial axis and support existing and prospective industrial customers,” he said.

Mapwaya said that the beneficiaries would include the following companies: Sapphire, 7-Up, Honest Material, Coca-Cola, Wisdo, Enugu Water Works and others, as well as customers supplied through the 11 kV industrial feeder.

He noted that the project would also relieve the Kingsway 2 Line, which serves Ogui and the Hilltop axis, thereby improving network flexibility and reliability in those areas.

On the 9th Mile Power Corridor, he noted that the existing undersized 70mm² aluminum conductor on the 9th Mile 11 kV industrial feeder would be replaced with a 150mm² aluminum conductor from the injection substation.

He said, “This upgrade will address existing capacity constraints, reduce technical losses, improve voltage profiles and create additional capacity to accommodate growing industrial and commercial demands.

“Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply to customers in Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, including: 9th Mile industrial hub; the Free Trade Zone; Ezeagu industrial cluster; Abor; Ajali; and surrounding communities.”

The MainPower boss said that the rehabilitation program forms part of MainPower’s broader commitment to strengthening the electricity distribution network and providing the infrastructure required to support industrial growth, business expansion and improved socioeconomic activity across Enugu State.

He also explained that in order to provide a safe working environment and facilitate the efficient execution of the works, scheduled outages would occur during the five-week construction period.

“The outages will generally take place between 8a.m. and 2p.m., during which electricity supply to affected customers will be temporarily interrupted.

“MainPower appreciates the operational implications of these outages, particularly for industrial and commercial customers, and appeals for their patience, understanding and cooperation. 

“The temporary disruptions are necessary to enable the rehabilitation works to be completed safely and within the planned time frame,” he said.