“60MW Gas Turbine, But Yenagoa Still In Darkness!” — Residents Blast Government Over Alleged Less-Than-10% Coverage
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — Bayelsa State’s 60-megawatt gas turbine project has triggered renewed optimism over the prospect of improved electricity supply in Yenagoa, even as residents across several communities call on the state government to urgently expand distribution beyond the limited areas currently benefiting from the project.
The gradual evacuation of power from the state-owned gas turbines has reportedly brought relief to some homes, shops and businesses in parts of the state capital, with residents in areas already connected describing improved electricity supply.
For business owners, the development is particularly significant, as more reliable public power could reduce dependence on diesel and petrol-powered generators, lower operating costs and improve productivity.
The state government has also indicated that efforts are ongoing to clear faults and rehabilitate existing distribution networks in order to extend electricity to more parts of Yenagoa.
However, reactions from residents show that the celebration is being tempered by a major concern: distribution.
Several residents insist that the electricity currently reaching consumers represents only a small fraction of Yenagoa, with some putting coverage at less than 10 percent.
Communities mentioned as still experiencing poor or no supply include Agudama Epie, Igbogene, Edepie, Yenezue-gene, Agbura, Onopa, Azikoro, Okaka, Prosco, Airforce Road, Kpansia and parts of the INEC Junction axis.
One resident questioned why communities within the Yenagoa metropolis were being left out of the emerging power supply.
«“The Agudama Akenfa Igbogene area, are they not part of Yenagoa?” the resident asked, while urging authorities to ensure that the project benefits all communities.»
Another resident said people in Agudama Epie had been without electricity for months, expressing hope that the ongoing efforts would eventually reach the area.
Residents from Onopa through Yenagoa and from Azikoro to Agbura similarly called for urgent intervention, arguing that the success of the project should ultimately be measured by the number of homes and businesses receiving dependable electricity rather than the amount of electricity generated.
The concerns have also extended to Okaka Prosco and Airforce Road, where residents alleged that their electricity connection was disconnected from the gas-powered supply after initially enjoying it.
They appealed to the state government and relevant electricity authorities to investigate the situation and restore supply where appropriate.
Generation Is Only Half The Job
The 60MW gas turbine project represents a significant investment in Bayelsa’s electricity infrastructure, but residents argue that generation alone cannot solve the state’s power problem.
The central challenge now is ensuring that the generated electricity is efficiently evacuated through a functioning and sufficiently expanded distribution network.
With many communities still reportedly without electricity, residents want the state government to approach distribution with the same urgency that accompanied the development of the gas turbine project.
The message from affected communities is straightforward: generate the power, fix the networks, expand the coverage and let the people feel the impact.
Free Prepaid Meters Welcomed
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA) has reportedly commenced the rollout of free prepaid meters to households in Yenagoa and surrounding communities.
The initiative is intended to reduce estimated billing and introduce greater transparency into electricity billing across the state.
BYERA Director-General, Dr. Rosalyn Dressman, reportedly stated that both the prepaid meters and their installation are completely free of charge.
The initiative has been welcomed by residents who believe prepaid metering could help consumers pay according to actual electricity consumption and reduce disputes associated with estimated bills.
However, residents also point out that meters can only serve their purpose when electricity supply is available.
Residents Applaud Diri, But Demand More
Some residents have praised Governor Douye Diri for investing in electricity generation, describing the project as a potentially transformative intervention capable of supporting businesses, households and industrial development.
Supporters say the project could become one of the administration’s lasting infrastructure legacies if its benefits are eventually extended across the state.
But even among those applauding the governor, there is a growing demand for the government to move quickly on distribution.
The emerging consensus is that Bayelsa’s electricity revolution should not stop at the gas turbines.
Residents want the state government, Bayelsa State Electricity Company, BYERA and other relevant stakeholders to repair damaged networks, expand distribution infrastructure and ensure that communities across Yenagoa and, ultimately, other local government areas can access the electricity being generated.
The gas turbine may have opened the door to a new era for Bayelsa’s power sector.
But for thousands of residents still living in darkness, the real celebration will begin only when they can switch on their lights and see the difference.
