The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has attributed the persistent low electricity supply in parts of the country to inadequate gas supply to power generation companies.
This was disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the IBEDC Regional Office in Abeokuta. The meeting was led by Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju, who represented the Managing Director, Mr Francis Agboha, IBEDC Headquarters, Ibadan.
Speaking at the meeting, the Technical Manager, Engr. Ogun Abiodun, who represented the Regional Head of IBEDC in Ogun State, Engr. Abdulrasaq Jimoh, said the major challenge currently affecting electricity supply in Nigeria is the insufficient gas being supplied to generation companies (GENCOs).
According to him, the shortage of gas has significantly reduced the capacity of power generation companies to generate electricity, which has in turn affected the quantity of power distributed to electricity distribution companies, including IBEDC.
Abiodun explained that electricity generation in Nigeria largely depends on gas-powered plants, stressing that when gas supply is low, power generation is inevitably affected.
He noted that if gas supply were as abundant as it used to be, more electricity would be generated and distributed to consumers.
Abiodun further explained that the electricity value chain consists of several key sectors, starting from gas suppliers to generation companies, transmission companies, and finally distribution companies before electricity reaches consumers.
“We have four major sectors in the electricity value chain.
It starts from the gas providers, then the generation companies that use the gas to generate electricity. After that, the Transmission Company evacuates the generated electricity, and then the distribution companies deliver it to the consumers,” he explained.
He emphasized that any disruption at the gas supply stage automatically affects the entire electricity supply chain.
The IBEDC official also clarified that the company does not deliberately withhold electricity from customers.
Abiodun noted that the current electricity supply challenge became more noticeable in December, adding that IBEDC has been engaging stakeholders to ensure that accurate information about the situation is communicated to the public.
He said the stakeholders’ meeting was organized to discuss the current electricity supply situation and ensure that accurate information is passed to the general public through relevant stakeholders.
Earlier in a statement, the management of IBEDC said the meeting was convened to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders within the electricity value chain to engage in constructive dialogue and collectively explore practical solutions to the ongoing power supply challenges affecting customers and businesses.
The company added that the contributions of stakeholders are crucial in addressing the current electricity supply situation and improving service delivery within the IBEDC franchise area.
Other IBEDC officials present at the meeting included Daniel Adugbo from IBEDC Headquarters, Ibadan; Biz Hub Manager, Mr. Eniola; HR Rita; Mr. Dapo; and Ayodeji Bada, Oju olape Shittu among others.
Participants at the meeting also included representatives from the South-West Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Chief Imams, Christian leaders, Community Development Committees (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and members of the media.
