The Enugu Electricity Distribution Commission (EEDC) says the newly inaugurated 11KV feeder in Abakaliki has increased and improved electricity power supply in the commercial axis of Ebonyi State.

The EEDC is in-charge of electricity power distribution in the five South-East states, which include: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

The Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

Ezeh said that the newly constructed feeder, which is known as Azuiyiokwu II, had improved power supply for more hours in Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki.

According to him, the newly constructed feeder, which was inaugurated and energized on Tuesday, costs EEDC a whooping sum of N8.7 million to execute.

“The project is in line with EEDC’s continuous effort in strengthening its network for improved service delivery and better customer experience,” he said.

Ezeh said that the project was necessitated to address issues of fluctuations on voltage levels in the supply of electricity and other faults resulting to frequent downtime in some parts of the state capital, which is its commercial hub.

“With the construction of Azuiyiokwu II, the four feeders serving the urban centres have been deloaded; thereby balancing the load on the feeders and further translating into improved and reliable power supply to customers within the area.

“EEDC appreciates the government of Gov. Dave Umahi for its continued support in its operations in the state.

“The company is equally appealing to the good people of the state to reciprocate these ventures and investments by ensuring they pay electricity bills as and when due.

“Customers are also encouraged to safeguard all EEDC power facilities serving them, as well as avoid meter bypass, energy theft and all forms of illegalities, which impact negatively on the company’s operations,’’ he said.

It was gathered that in Abakaliki metropolis, EEDC had four 11KV feeders serving the area which were previously overloaded and overstretched.

These feeders are: Azuiyiokwu (main) 11KV; Township 11KV; Udemezue 11KV and Industrial 11KV.

Other network improvement projects undertaken in Ebonyi State included: rehabilitation of EEDC’s portion of Itigidi 33KV feeder up to Abaomege for improvement of supply in some parts of Abakaliki Local Government Area; Onueke and environs and some parts of Ikwo Local Government Area.