NIGERIA: IBEDC Explains Erratic Power Supply Across Franchise

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has explained the reasons behind the persistent erratic power supply across its franchise areas, attributing the situation to gas supply shortages to power plants and unstable energy allocation from the national grid.

The power distribution company also acknowledged the inconvenience caused to customers and appealed for calm while efforts are being intensified to improve electricity supply.

This was contained in a statement issued by the company’s management on Saturday.

According to the company, the current electricity challenges affecting its network are largely linked to issues impacting power generation nationwide.

The management said: “Gas supply shortages to power generating plants have reduced generation capacity nationwide, resulting in increased load shedding across our network.”

The company added that electricity demand within its franchise areas has increased significantly in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.

It stated: “Despite the rising demand, energy allocation from the national grid has remained unstable and subject to periodic declines, creating a wider gap between available supply and customer demand.”

The company noted that the imbalance between supply and demand has resulted in supply shortfalls in several communities under its coverage.

The statement said: “As a result of these constraints, some communities within our franchise are experiencing supply shortfalls. 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 company also disclosed that the situation has sparked protests in some communities within its franchise areas.

However, it appealed to customers to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation while discussions continue with stakeholders.

The management stated: “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.”

The company further assured customers that it is engaging relevant stakeholders in the electricity value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, restore stability to the national grid, and improve power supply

across its franchise areas.