Why there’s worsening electricity supply – IBEDC

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Stock image for illustration

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By Adeola Badru

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The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, IBEDC, has apologised to customers across its franchise over the ongoing electricity supply disruptions. The DisCo appealed for calm and dialogue with affected communities amid growing protests.

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In a press statement addressing the current power situation, the company said the widespread outages and supply constraints being experienced across parts of its network are largely tied to challenges affecting power generation and electricity supply on Nigeria’s national grid.

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According to IBEDC, gas supply shortages to power generating plants have significantly reduced electricity generation capacity nationwide, leading to increased load shedding across its distribution network.

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The company also noted that electricity demand within its franchise area has risen sharply in recent months.

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The demand surge, it explained, followed the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.

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However, despite the increase in demand, the amount of electricity allocated to IBEDC from the national grid has remained unstable and has occasionally declined.

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This imbalance, the company said, has widened the gap between available electricity supply and customer demand.

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“As a result of these constraints, some communities within our franchise are experiencing supply shortfalls.”

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“We fully understand the frustration this has generated among our customers, and we sincerely apologise for the disruption to homes, businesses, and economic activities,” the statement noted.

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IBEDC also acknowledged that the prolonged supply challenges have triggered protests in some communities within its coverage area, with other communities threatening similar actions.

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While recognising the right of customers to express their grievances, the company urged affected communities to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation.

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“The current supply challenges have understandably sparked protests in some communities within our franchise with more communities threatening to protest. We appeal to our valued customers and communities to embrace dialogue rather than protests.”

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“IBEDC has been actively engaging community leaders and stakeholders across our coverage areas to foster mutual understanding of the situation and to work together towards sustainable solutions,” the company stated.

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The electricity distributor further assured customers that it is actively engaging stakeholders across the power value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, restore stability to the national grid, and improve electricity supply to customers within its franchise area.

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