IBEDC to fast-track embedded generation project

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has said it would fast-track its  embedded power generation project so as to boost electricity supply.

Fortunatus Leynes, managing director/CEO, who disclosed this at the distribution company’s customer’s forum in Ibadan said the need to embark on embedded generation project became necessary following the drop in generation from the National grid by about 1,000 megawatts.

According to Leynes, as a distribution Company, IBEDC is “at the tail-end of the electricity supply chain, it is what is delivered to us that we distribute to our customers but with the drop we are unable to satisfy our customers,” while saying that the company is awaiting the approval of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC’s) approval for the embedded generation project noted that it would complement the company’s distribution to customers when in place.

The embedded project, when in place, is expected to inject between 15 megawatts and 30 megawatts (mw) into the distribution company’s capacity for improved supply to customers.

At the forum which had corporate organisations, government officials and individuals in attendance, Leynes announced that over 250 faulty transformers had been identified through complaints from communities.

He however said that the company will in the next two months replaced them with new ones.

While saying that the company is gradually upgrading its networks said over 200 will be procured to replace dilapidated transformers in the communities.

IBEDC covers Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Kwara states as well as parts of Kogi, Ekiti, and Niger states.

The IBEDC boss who said plans are underway to construct more lines revealed that in the next six weeks, most lines entangled with weeds in some areas within its jurisdiction would cleared.

As complained by customers at the forum, Leynes said all charges are approved by NERC saying that the fixed charges are for distribution companies to recoup their investment.

While urging customers to visit their business districts to purchase meters put at N23,830 for single phase and N53,800 for three phase, Leynes urged them not patronise touts.

He also said customers can apply through Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme in which they would make initial deposit and the company would refund the deposit over a period of 36 months with corresponding interest and within 45 days their meters are installed.

While assuring that all issues raised would be treated with utmost urgency, Leynes disclosed that business hub managers had been mandated to replicate a smaller scale customer forum in which communities can openly air their issues and concerns to attain the high level of customer satisfaction.

Earlier in his address, Olatunde Ayeni, chairman of IBEDC, said the company was determined to be the best in the country.

“This is our vision entrenched on our core values of excellence, innovation, integrity, dependability, teamwork and corporate culture of discipline, performance and service.

“We are using this moment to launch our new brand identity which will give our operations the experience of an original personality –”IBEDC,welcome to a new day.”

Ayeni, who was represented by Joseph Makoju, a director in the Company, said the meeting was aimed cultivating a partnership for mutual growth and development.

The IBEDC, he said, would be using the pedestal of core customer forum to appraise and appreciate esteemed customers for their continued loyalty, support and cooperation in terms of prompt payment and adequate electricity consumed, safeguarding the company’s installations and equipment in their neighbourhood and communities.

Remi Feyisipo