Amid the persistent challenge of erratic supply, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has pledged significant improvements within the next six months, just as he encouraged Distribution Companies (DisCos) to focus on capitalisation and increased investment in the sector.
He gave this assurance on Thursday during his visit to Ikeja Electric (IE) and inspection of some facilities, highlighting the urgency of addressing the longstanding issue of unreliable electricity provision amid growing frustration from consumers.
Adelabu stressed that with various upgrading and installations of new equipment across the country, Nigerians should be rest assured of improvements in electricity supplies in a few months.
He further emphasised that the installation of new transformers by the DisCo and the upgrading of the substation at Maryland will significantly enhance electricity supply to consumers. He highlighted the strain on existing transformers due to insufficient numbers and aging, stating that the introduction of new units will alleviate this pressure, allowing for a more evenly distributed load across the upgraded or higher capacity transformers.
Adelabu explained that at the transmission substation of TCN in Maryland, where a capacity upgrade is underway, there are currently two 30MVA transformers and one 60MVA transformer. Initially, the plan was to increase capacity from 120MVA to 190MVA by replacing one of the weaker 30MVA transformers with a new 100MVA transformer.
He disclosed that before the end of this month, it would be energized as he has ordered the contractor to get it done to further increase the capacity of the transmission.
“Also, at Alausa substation, we are doing similar upgrade of the capacity by replacing a weak 30MVA transformer with another 100MVA to raise the capacity to about 205MVA that would actually reflect improvement in the power transmission capacity,
“IE at their new substation just acquired a new transformer which is going to improve the distribution capacity of the company and I also visited 16 new 50033415 distribution transformers they just acquired. All these shows that they are investing in the sector’s infrastructure, “he said.
He further emphasised the necessity for the DisCos to secure capital, stressing the importance of attracting funds and making investments in the sector.
Adelabu highlighted the longstanding issue of poor investment over the years, leading to limited reduction in losses for DisCos. While acknowledging Ikeja Electric’s commendable progress compared to other DisCos, he expressed dissatisfaction at the situation, emphasising the necessity of proposing a capitalisation requirement for all DisCos. This move would compel them to raise funds for crucial investments in their distribution infrastructure.
“If we cannot get them to do investment by persuasion we will get them to do it by legislation and that is the need for DisCos to bring in significant fund into the business to invest in improvement infrastructure so that service quality would be better than what we have now,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan, expressed satisfaction with the Minister’s visit, stating that it was encouraging. She noted that the Minister shared his vision of enhancing supply to consumers by exploring practical strategies to achieve improvement within the next three to six months.
She added that the Minister had made a commitment to the DisCo to fast track the issues that are needed to be resolved for improved and better power supply.
Addressing consumer concerns about the closed portal, Soetan explained that due to the current economic conditions, pricing meters for replenishing the existing stock poses significant challenges for meter asset providers. She highlighted ongoing discussions between the DisCo, regulators, and meter manufacturers to establish a feasible pricing structure. Consequently, the portal remains closed temporarily. However, she assured consumers that once the pricing is finalized, the portal will be reopened.
