The Orashi Electricity Company Limited, under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Light Up Imo Project, is spearheading a major transformation of the state’s power sector.
DrumAfricanews gathered that the latest initiative involves the construction of strategic infrastructure designed not only to illuminate homes but also to energize industries and bolster investor confidence.
At the core of this transformation is the ongoing construction of a 50-kilometer Owerri–Orlu 132kV transmission corridor.
As gathered, this high-capacity line, operating at 132,000 volts, functions as an energy superhighway, channeling bulk electricity directly from the national grid to the Orlu Zone.
The company said that the high voltage significantly minimizes energy losses over distance, ensuring that more generated power reaches the communities in need.
“For residents and businesses in Orlu and its environs, this development promises a departure from overloaded and aging routes, ushering in a more stable and abundant power supply,” the source from ministry of power said.
Complementing this backbone project is the 15MVA, 33/11kV injection substation nearing completion at the State University of Innovation in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area.
This facility serves as a critical bridge between bulk transmission and local consumption. It receives power at 33kV and steps it down to 11kV, effectively injecting it into the distribution network serving the university campus, neighboring communities, and commercial clusters.
DrumAfricanews gathered that With the capacity to support approximately 9,000 to 12,000 households, the substation is poised to become a lifeline for one of the state’s most dynamic economic growth corridors.
These two projects are not isolated efforts but are engineered as an integrated system. The 132kV transmission line tackles the supply bottleneck, ensuring that Orlu and its axis receive a robust, dedicated feed from the national grid.
This reduces reliance on constrained routes and minimizes systemic outages. Simultaneously, the injection substation addresses the distribution challenge by converting high-voltage power into a form that can be safely and efficiently delivered to end-users.
“The combined impact of these projects extends far beyond hardware. Residents in Orlu, surrounding areas, and the university zone can expect fewer disruptions as the network gains both capacity and flexibility.
“Businesses, market hubs, and institutions will benefit from consistent power quality, which is critical for development.
“With dependable electricity, the University of Innovation can fully realize its vision as a 24/7 tech and research hub, while small and medium enterprises in Orlu and environs gain extended operational hours.”
The company said that, new investments are encouraged by a more predictable energy environment. By diverting load from overstretched 33kV feeders, the new infrastructure also cuts technical losses and improves service delivery across the broader distribution network.
