By William Emmanuel Ukpoju
The management of Kaduna Electric is determined to address the ongoing power supply challenges within its franchise area, comprising Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
Despite efforts to enhance service delivery, the company has, in a statement, highlighted persistent issues hindering reliable electricity supply to its esteemed customers.
Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the Head of Corporate Communications at Kaduna Electric, who signed the press statement stressed the significance of the upcoming Ramadan season and extended well wishes to all patrons.
However, amidst the festive spirit, the management acknowledged the limitations faced in ensuring uninterrupted power supply, particularly during these trying times.
Chief among the hurdles identified by Kaduna Electric is the shortfall in power generation, exacerbating the strain on the distribution network. “Insufficient electricity production, attributed to various factors, remains a primary obstacle in meeting customer demand”.
According to the release “While we recognise that our services are keenly sought in this month – and indeed at all times – we promise to do our utmost to improve power supply to our customers in our franchise. We, however wish our customers to note that there is a limit to what we can do to deliver reliable, uninterrupted power supply, especially in these trying times”.
Additionally, the company lamented the challenge of low load allocation, further compounding the difficulties in distribution.
It added that despite efforts to optimize the allocation received, Kaduna Electric struggles to meet the needs of its clientele due to inadequate supply from the national grid.
“We face the severe challenges of lack of adequate power generation and the subsequent low load allocation to us for distribution. These are principally the reasons why power supply has been epileptic in Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, where we superintend,” the statement revealed.
Over the past months, residents within the franchise area have been grappling with epileptic power supply, characterized by inconsistent service delivery and disruptions to daily life.
The statement said that the situation underscores the urgency for systemic improvements and increased investment in the power sector to address the underlying issues.
In light of these persistent issues, the management urged customers to fulfill their financial obligations promptly and refrain from engaging in illicit activities that undermine efforts to improve service delivery.
Kaduna Electric further emphasized the detrimental impact of energy theft and vandalism on its operations. “Illegal activities not only result in revenue losses but also impede efforts to maintain and enhance infrastructure, perpetuating the cycle of supply challenges”.
While wishing its customers a rewarding Ramadan, the statement concluded by reassuring subscribers that “While we are trying to devise how to optimally distribute the little load we receive to our customers, we fervently hope generation improves significantly to cater for all our needs.
“We urge our customers to endeavour to settle their bills when due and avoid indulging in all forms of energy theft and vandalism”.
The persistent power supply challenges faced by Kaduna Electric stem from a combination of factors including inadequate power generation, low load allocation, and issues related to energy theft and vandalism.
This is not peculiar to the company alone; recently, there have been calls by the federal government and other stakeholders that electricity companies in Nigeria must rise up to the challenge.
As Ramadan approaches, stakeholders in the Nigerian electricity companies should note that sustained collaboration and concerted efforts are supreme to addressing the systemic deficiencies plaguing the Nation’s energy sector.