The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has shed light on the causes of the inadequate power supply in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Ekiti States, pointing to several factors including energy theft and gas supply challenges.
In a statement released in Ilorin on Sunday, IBEDC management highlighted the surge in energy theft as a significant contributor to the ongoing power supply issues. They reported over 1,450 identified cases of energy theft between January and February 2024, which has exacerbated the situation.
Furthermore, IBEDC attributed the decline in power availability to the low supply of gas to generating companies (Gencos), resulting in reduced generation into the grid. This shortage significantly affects IBEDC’s ability to provide uninterrupted power supply to its customers within the franchise areas.
The statement also acknowledged the impact of scheduled maintenance activities conducted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in January and March 2024, which necessitated planned outages in specific areas. While these maintenance efforts are crucial for the long-term reliability of the electricity infrastructure, IBEDC apologized for any inconvenience caused to customers.
Moreover, IBEDC expressed concern over the persistent issue of vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure, along with customer payment apathy, which continue to hamper power supply efforts.
Despite these challenges, IBEDC expressed optimism that improvements are on the horizon. The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has taken decisive actions to address the gas supply problem, offering hope for enhanced power generation.
To combat energy theft and vandalism, IBEDC affirmed its commitment to collaboration with security agencies and urged customers to remain vigilant. They encouraged communities to protect electrical infrastructures and promptly report any suspicious activities.
