The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has blamed the persistent electricity supply challenges across its franchise areas on gas shortages and operational constraints affecting Nigeria’s national power grid.
In a statement addressing the current situation, the electricity distribution firm apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the unstable power supply and appealed for calm while efforts are being intensified to improve the situation.
According to the company, the supply constraints currently affecting several parts of its network are largely tied to difficulties in electricity generation and transmission at the national level.
IBEDC explained that insufficient gas supply to power-generating plants has significantly reduced the country’s electricity generation capacity.
The shortfall, it said, has triggered widespread load shedding across distribution networks, including areas served by the company.
The firm further noted that electricity demand within its franchise has risen considerably in recent months. This surge, it explained, is partly linked to the addition of more Band A feeders in compliance with regulatory directives.
Despite the growing demand, IBEDC said the amount of energy allocated to it from the national grid has remained unstable and has occasionally declined, thereby widening the 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 company stated.
The company also acknowledged that the situation has triggered protests in some communities within its coverage areas.
While recognising the right of customers to express their grievances, IBEDC urged residents and community leaders to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation.
“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 statement added.
IBEDC disclosed that it has begun engagements with community leaders and other stakeholders within its operational areas in a bid to foster better understanding and seek sustainable solutions to the electricity challenges.
The company also assured customers that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders across the power sector value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, stabilise the national grid, and ultimately improve electricity supply across its network.
