The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) attributed the current state of the power supply within its franchise area to several factors, including the low supply of gas to generating companies (Gencos).

The spokesperson for IBEDC, Busolami Tunwase, in a statement issued on Sunday, March 10, 2024, said the low supply of gas to generating companies had resulted in gradual decrease in available generation into the grid.

She noted that the development contributed to the disruptions and inconveniences currently being experienced by residents and business owners within its franchise area, including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and part of Kogi, Niger, and Ekiti states.

Tunwase said this has significantly reduced the power available on the transmission grid for onward supply to IBEDC, thereby hindering the company’s ability to provide power to customers within the area.

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She said: “Scheduled maintenance activities conducted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in January and March 2024 also necessitates planned outages in specific areas of our network.

“While these measures are essential for ensuring the long-term reliability of electricity infrastructure, we recognise the inconvenience they may cause and sincerely apologise for any disruption experienced by our customers.”

The IBEDC spokesperson added that vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure were other major issues negatively impacting power supply in the country.

She specifically mentioned the vandalism of TCN towers in Ogun State in May 2023 which resulted in over seven months of blackout for many residents.

Tunwase said the IBEDC had been confronted with escalating cases of vandalism, with over 40 incidents already recorded since the beginning of the year.

Tunwase added that payment apathy from customers was another major challenge to adequate supply of power.

She, however, said the IBEDC had partnered with security agencies to reduce energy theft and vandalism, just as she urged customers to remain vigilant, protect electrical infrastructures within their communities, and report any suspicious activity promptly.

The Star