IBEDC apologises over prolonged power outages, appeals for dialogue amid protests
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has apologised to customers for the significant inconvenience caused by incessant power supply disruptions across its franchise areas, while soliciting for dialogue and roundtable discussions amid ongoing protests.
The company conveyed its apologies in a statement released on Saturday.
In the statement, the company urged calm and continued dialogue with communities as it intensifies efforts to resolve the situation.
IBEDC explained that the supply constraints being experienced in parts of its network are largely due to challenges affecting electricity generation on the national grid, adding that gas supply shortages to power plants have equally reduced overall generation capacity, resulting in increased load shedding across its coverage areas.
The company also revealed that electricity demand within its franchise has risen considerably in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.
However, IBEDC indicated that energy allocation from the national grid has remained unstable, creating a wider gap between available supply and customer demand.
The company further stated that it has been actively engaging community leaders and stakeholders across its coverage areas to foster understanding and cooperation in working toward sustainable solutions, while assuring customers that it is actively coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the power sector to address imbalances in energy allocation, restore grid stability, and improve electricity supply across its network.
Western Post confirmed that the power outage challenge have reportedly sparked protests in some communities, with more areas threatening to demonstrate over the situation.
