By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Federal Government says it is determined to boost electricity supply with a view to reviving the nation’s industries in order to enhance its economy.
Minister of Power,Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated this during a stakeholders meeting at headquarters of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company(KEDCO) on Thursday.
Adelabu said his mission in Kano was to engage with critical stakeholders, including KEDCO, to identify and tackle obstacles hindering optimal performance.
He emphasized the need to revamp the transmission architecture in the North which currently relies heavily on Shiroro and Jos channels.
“This radial system leaves the Northern region vulnerable to electricity disruptions whenever issues arise with these lines,” he said.
To address this, the minister called for the establishment of independent power sources within states’ metropolis to support the National Grid.
He explained that exploring alternative power sources to serve as backup to the National Grid had become necessary with a view to curtailing future ocuarances of collapse of the National Grid.
“This proactive approach aims to ensure that the region is prepared for any eventuality, including vandalism or national grid collapse,”he said.
Adelabu recognized the crucial roles played by various stakeholders in achieving these objectives:
That, “State Governments should ensure effective implementation of providing alternative electricity sources,and Discos should also ensure reliable distribution services,while consumers should utilize electricity efficiently.”
He disclosed that interested investors are willing to invest in Kano’s power sector,and that he had planned to discuss alternative solutions with Gov.Abba Yusuf to prevent future blackouts.
The minister then expressed dismay at the metering process,saying information available to him revealed that only 33 per cent of electricity consumers have meters.
He, therefore, urged KEDCO and other Discos across the country to intensify efforts to make meters available to consumers with a view to ensuring effective service delivery.