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The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company PLC, IBEDC, has disclosed that the difficulties currently experienced by customers are largely linked to reduced power generation and unstable supply from the national grid.
IBEDC said this has affected the volume of electricity available for distribution.
DAILY POST reports that residents across several communities within the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company franchise have been facing worsening electricity shortages, a development which has prompted protests.
Youths in Osogbo protested to the regional office of the distribution company in Osogbo on Wednesday.
However, in a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the supply shortfalls and apologised to customers whose homes and businesses have been affected.
According to IBEDC, “gas supply shortages to electricity generation plants have significantly reduced generation capacity across the country, forcing distribution companies to implement increased load shedding within their networks”.
The firm also noted that electricity demand within its franchise areas has risen sharply in recent months, especially following the introduction of additional Band A feeders in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
It explained that despite the increase in demand, the energy allocated to the company from the national grid has remained unstable and has occasionally dropped, widening the gap between electricity supply and consumption requirements.
“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 company confirmed that the power situation has already sparked protests in some affected communities, while other areas have indicated plans to stage demonstrations over the prolonged outages.
“The current supply challenges have understandably sparked protests in some communities within our franchise with more communities threatening to protest,” the company stated.
IBEDC, however, urged residents and community leaders to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that it has been engaging stakeholders across its coverage areas while working with players in the electricity value chain to stabilise the grid and improve supply.
IBEDC blames national grid constraints for worsening power outages
