Ekiti State Government Commissions First-ever Independent Power Project

The Ekiti State Government has completed and commissioned its first-ever independent power project (IPP) since inception to enhance electricity supply in the state.

The initiative aims to enhance electricity supply, augmenting the total available megawatts for consumption, in addition to what the state receives from the national grid.

Inaugurating the project on Friday, 24 November, 2023, the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the laudable feat was achieved through a partnership with Fenchurch Power Ltd. to independently generate 3.6MW.

The project which was initiated under the immediate past Governor Kayode Fayemi, about two years ago, sought to address the insufficient electricity supply to Ekiti State, where the national grid provided an average of 13MW daily to the entire state.

“I am pleased to learn that the first-ever Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ekiti State has been completed and commissioned by my successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji

“Two years ago, we initiated this project in response to the very poor electricity supply to Ekiti through the national grid system.

“We recognized that the only way to prevent this issue from further negatively impacting our socioeconomic and industrial growth was to provide a significant and innovative intervention.

“With the success of this project, I believe that investors within the power sector will take advantage of the ‘willing seller, willing buyer’ template,” said the elated former Governor Fayemi.

Leveraging the Electricity Act of 2023, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has enacted the State Electricity Power Sector Law 2023.

This legislation grants the state authority over electricity generation transmission, and distribution within its territory.

With the success of this IPP project, Ekiti State invites more investors in the power sector.

According to the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, meter vendors can capitalize on opportunities, as the electricity law now permits independent meter supply to willing customers, with ongoing efforts for swift implementation.

“The Government of Ekiti State continues to lead as a model sub-national government with a commitment to creating an attractive destination for work, living, and investment,” he added.