The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has explained the reasons behind the ongoing power supply challenges affecting many communities within its franchise area, attributing the situation largely to reduced electricity generation and instability on the national grid.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the company apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the persistent outages and appealed for calm and constructive dialogue amid growing protests in some communities.
IBEDC said the supply constraints being experienced across its network were mainly linked to gas supply shortages to power generating plants, which have significantly reduced electricity generation capacity nationwide.
According to the company, the drop in generation has resulted in increased load shedding across its network, thereby affecting power supply to homes, businesses and other economic activities.
The company also noted that electricity demand within its franchise areas has risen considerably in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.
Despite the growing demand, IBEDC said energy allocation from the national grid has remained unstable and has witnessed periodic declines, thereby widening the gap between available electricity supply and the demand from customers.
“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 said.
The distribution company acknowledged that the situation has triggered protests in some communities within its coverage areas but urged customers to embrace 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 company stated.
IBEDC added that it had been engaging community leaders and stakeholders across its coverage areas to foster mutual understanding and explore sustainable solutions to the electricity supply challenges.
The company further assured customers that it was actively working with relevant stakeholders within the power sector value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, stabilise the national grid and improve electricity supply across its franchise areas.
