Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-03-02 16:52:03
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has taken a proactive approach to address the worsening power supply situations in certain regions by summoning the chief executive officers of two Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to a meeting. These two DisCos are the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBDC). Additionally, Sule Abdulazeez, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has also been summoned to the meeting.
The summon was issued in a letter signed by B.U Mustapha, the Director of Distribution Services at the Ministry of Power. It is part of a broader effort to hold non-performing distribution companies accountable for their lack of performance as reports continue to come in on the deteriorating power supply in their regions.
Despite improved supply from TCN, the two DisCos have been singled out for the meeting due to the deteriorating power supply situations in their respective regions. Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser for Strategic Communication and Media Relations at the ministry, explained that, despite gas shortages, electricity generation had recently exceeded 4000mw. He expressed optimism that power supply should have improved across the country, contrary to the current experience in some regions.
Investigations revealed deliberate refusal by some distribution companies to take up power supply from TCN, as well as damage caused by vandals to power lines in Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. The minister warned that any DisCo found guilty of deliberate non-performance could face severe punishment or even lose their license.
In response, the minister directed TCN to immediately commence repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to enhance power supply in the affected regions. He had previously conducted supervisory visits to various power generating plants, including the Kainji Hydropower Plant, Benue, and Taraba to assess infrastructure for additional power generation capacities.
At present, only 10mw is being evacuated from the Kashimbilla Hydropower Station to the national grid, but plans are underway to boost this capacity. The minister also visited thermal plants in Ogun and Ondo states and power plants in Edo, assuring that the government intends to settle outstanding debts owed to electricity Generation Companies (GenCos) and gas supply companies.
With these efforts in place, it is anticipated that there will soon be relief for electricity consumers nationwide. The ministry is committed to enhancing and improving the power supply situation in the country to ensure consistent and reliable electricity for all.
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