The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has explained why power supply remains erratic across its franchise, citing gas supply shortages to generating plants and instability in energy allocation from the national grid as the key drivers of the ongoing challenges affecting customers.
It has also acknowledged the significant inconvenience caused by the ongoing power supply challenges affecting customers across its franchise, appealing for calm while assuring them of continued dialogue with communities as it intensifies efforts to address the situation.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday, issued by the management of the company, made available in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The management explained that “the current supply constraints being experienced across parts of its network are largely linked to challenges affecting power generation and supply on the national grid.”
According to the company, “gas supply shortages to power generating plants have reduced generation capacity nationwide, resulting in increased load shedding across its network. At the same time, electricity demand within the IBEDC franchise has risen considerably in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.”
It added, “however, 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.”
“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 statement noted.
The company disclosed that the situation had triggered protests in some communities within its franchise, appealing for constructive engagement rather than confrontation. “We recognise the right of customers to express their concerns,” the management said.
“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. 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 said in the statement.
IBEDC further assured customers that it is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders within the power value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, restore stability to the grid, and improve electricity supply to customers.
The PUNCH