The Edo State Government has said that the 55MW CCETC-Ossiomo Independent Power Plant (IPP) would be commissioned before the end of September, as necessary regulatory nods have been secured for the take-off of the plant.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the project, which is a product of Governor Obaseki’s industrialisation efforts, will provide a solid base to attract investment to the state.
According to him, “We are very excited to announce that the 55MW CCETC-Ossiomo IPP would come on stream before the end of September. A lot has gone into getting it ready. The cables to channel electricity to Ologbo have been installed while necessary regulatory approvals have been given by the relevant government agencies. The latest of these was from the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), which has come to inspect the facility to ensure that all standards are met.”
He added, “The project presents an alternative to power consumers in the state, as the state would now have two power distribution companies, that would compete and provide a conducive environment for business owners and others to make decisions based on quality of services rendered.”
He noted that the Ossiomo IPP, aside having an embedded power licence, also has the willing-buyer-willing-seller arrangement with government and other private sector actors, who are willing to off-take electricity from the power companies.
He added, “The commissioning will set off the space for a vibrant private sector in the state and we are committed to ensuring that we truly have a state that is conducive for investors, as we tap into our huge natural gas reserves and the power project to make the state a hub for high-impact industries that need stable power to perform effectively.”
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Aerial view of a sub-station of the 55MW CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant, on the Sapele Road axis, in Benin City.
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A section of the CCETC-Ossiomo Power Plant with equipment fully installed in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
