Ikeja Electric cites generation drop for Lagos outages

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Ikeja Electric says residents and businesses across Lagos are experiencing reduced electricity supply following a nationwide drop in power generation.

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The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

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Okotie attributed the development to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants, the country’s major source of electricity generation.

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“The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants.

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“This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” he said.

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He noted that the shortfall had affected electricity distribution to customers, resulting in intermittent outages and load shedding across its network.

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Okotie, however, assured customers of the company’s commitment to equitable and efficient distribution of the limited power available.

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“The management regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers during this period.

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“We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” he said.

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The spokesman urged customers to remain patient as efforts continued at the national level to improve gas supply and stabilise power generation.

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NAN reports that the development has worsened electricity challenges in Lagos, with residents and businesses lamenting poor supply.

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Some residents, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN, said the situation had increased their dependence on generators and raised operating costs.

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Mrs Kemi Adebayo, a frozen food trader, said she relied heavily on generators to preserve her goods.

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“I run my generator more than I use public power. If there is no light, my goods spoil. If I use fuel, I lose profit. Either way, I am losing,” she said.

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Mr Sani Ibrahim, a welder, described the situation as unsustainable.

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“We spend more on diesel than on raw materials. Sometimes, customers leave because we cannot deliver on time,” he said.

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Also, Mrs Roseline George, a civil servant, said erratic power supply had worsened the impact of rising temperatures.

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“It has been very hot, and there is no constant electricity supply. We rely on rechargeable fans and drink plenty of water,” she said.

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However, experts say persistent challenges, including gas supply shortages, recurring grid disturbances, and sectoral debts, continue to limit electricity generation in the country.

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They warn that unreliable power supply could further constrain productivity and economic growth if not urgently addressed. (NAN)

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