Posted by By David Molomo, Yola on
Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that 21 foreign and Nigerian private electricity institutions have indicated interest to improve energy supply in Nigeria.
Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that 21 foreign and Nigerian private electricity institutions have indicated interest to improve energy supply in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Governmental and Consumer Affairs of the commission, Dr. (Mrs) Grace Eyoma, who disclosed this in Yola at the sensitization and awareness campaign of customer rights said it was a clear departure from the past where institutions were scared to invest in Nigeria.
Eyoma stated that Nigeria consumers are already enjoying 8,000 additional megawatts and should expect 10,000 megawatts at the end of the year, appealing to consumers of electricity across the country to be patient while frantic efforts are made toward the improvement of power generation in Nigeria.
She said the sensitization and awareness workshop was necessary to educate electricity consumers about their obligations and rights and the responsibilities of the electricity suppliers for the purpose of mutual trust and understanding.
According to Eyoma, who presided over the occasion which attracted a number of stakeholders in Taraba and Adamawa states, every consumer is entitled to regular supply of energy and accurate metre.
She said that electricity suppliers should also be under obligation to supply power to consumers that are prompt in settlement of their electricity bills while consumers complaints should be entertained promptly and create mutual understanding between the two.
Eyomo disclosed that the National Integration Power Project initiated by Obasanjo's administration has the capacity to improve power generation in Nigeria.
The commissioner also entertained questions from participants and stakeholders in the course of the sensitization and awareness campaign which was interactive.
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer Yola Electricity Distribution Plc, Engineer Is'Haq Usman said the campaign would bridge communication gap, educate, enlighten the numerous customers and staff of electricity distribution companies.
Usman remarked that customers in Yola Distribution zone are not happy because to unsteady power supply and frequent load shedding as all they want is uninterrupted power supply excellent quality service at affordable cost.
The chief Executive said the main challenges are the low load allocation due to generation shortsfall, aged network, and low voltage due to the distance from the power station, transmission and distribution limitations.
He disclosed that based on the peculiar problem of the area, the Federal Government has awarded contract and work for the construction of 330kv line from Gombe to Yola and Yola to Jalingo proposed for 330kv line from Gombe to Maiduguri.
Usman said that the past administration also awarded contract on Mambilla Hydro Power Station with 2,600 megawatts and appealed for expedition on the completion of the projects.
In a bid to improve the relationship with customers, the Yola electricity distribution has installed over 1,500 prepayment meters in Adamawa State and would extend same to Borno, Yobe and Taraba States soon.
Besides, she said, Yola electricity distribution is on the verge of installing twelve (12) distribution injection substations spread across the six business units under the company's purview .