Yenagoa — There are strong indications that consumers of electricity from the national grid in Bayelsa State are not having the best of times lately, as the Power Holding Company (PHCN) commences collection of tariffs in the state. The state was linked to the national grid in September 2006 when President Goodluck Jonathan was governor of the state. It was historic for the people blessed with oil and gas but had been grossly neglected by successive governments in the country. Power situation in the state is improving compared with past administrations.
Before the state was connected to the national grid, it was sourcing power from the state-owned gas turbine station at Imiringi, Ogbia local government. The gas turbine project was constructed by the administration of Melford Okilo, a former governor of old Rivers State and native of Emakalakala, Bayelsa State. Electricity consumption has been free right from the inception of the coastal state.
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