… Disconnection of bulk supply a warning signal, MD Kaduna Electric.
… All players in the electricity market must discharge their obligations to the market.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF has expressed outrage at the rampant cases of electricity theft, meters tampering and other illegalities which the Forum described as antisocial and contrary to the virtuous teachings of our religions.
The Chairman of the Forum, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Lawal Mayere made the assertion when he led the Kaduna State leadership of the Forum on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric in Kaduna today.
He stressed the importance of electricity supply to the socioeconomic development of any society, noting that Kaduna State cannot be an exception.
Alhaji Lawal Mayer’s also expressed the ACF concern over what it called the disruption of electricity services in parts of Kaduna metropolis two weeks ago, calling on all stakeholders and relevant authorities to always settle their differences amicably without resorting to disconnection of bulk power supply to the consumers.
“ACF is deeply concerned by the recent disconnection of bulk power supply to Kaduna State and the resultant dislocation of socioeconomic activities in the State for six days”, he said.
He also noted that “the ACF is a non- political and non religious body that always strive to protect and promote the interest and well being of the people of northern region within the context of a prosperous Nigerian State”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric, Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya said the visit by ACF, Kaduna State chapter could not have come at a better time given the shared values and objectives of the two organisations.
The Kaduna Electric boss described the recent disconnection of three 33KV Feeders of the Company in Kaduna by the Market Operator as a wake-up call to both the Company and its customers on the need for everybody to be alive to our responsibilities to the market.
“We cannot continue to fail to discharge our financial obligation to the market and expect sustainable development in service delivery”, he said.
He disclosed that the Company in owing the Market Operator over ₦33b for Transmission services alone with more than twice that amount owe the bulk trader, a debt that accrued over the years due to the failure of the customers to pay their bills in full.
Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya took time to explain the structure and dynamics of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“As a utility, we understand that we are critical to the socioeconomic development of the geopolitical region, but the Company cannot sustain its operations if it continues to fail to live up to its contractual obligations to other players in the market”, he contended.
Engr. Yusuf Usman therefore appeal to critical stakeholders like the Arewa Consultative Forum to led the conversation on prompt settlement of bills as well as the campaign against energy theft.