Still on the FG bailout for purchase of meters

The federal government has agreed to provide the sum of N37 billion to address the hurdles being experienced by distribution companies (DISCOs), in the supply of electricity.   This was disclosed recently by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Raji Fashola, during the 21st Power Sector Reform meeting held in Asaba, Delta State. In […]

The federal government has agreed to provide the sum of N37 billion to address the hurdles being experienced by distribution companies (DISCOs), in the supply of electricity. 

 This was disclosed recently by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Raji Fashola, during the 21st Power Sector Reform meeting held in Asaba, Delta State. In his opening remarks, the minister disclosed that over $64.63million electricity debt owed by the Benin Republic and Niger Republic has been recovered by the federal government.

Based on that statement, I urge the minister and his team of engineers to carry out a thorough field assessment of the entire 33kv distribution network across the country. 

 I have also observed severally that the DISCOs have no financial wherewithal to carry out maintenance. Except the federal government which has 40 per cent equity intervenes, the electricity generated will not get to the consumers. Even if the federal government brings in new investors as proposed, without doing the needful in the distribution network, nothing tangible will be achieved. 

 I also believe that the job is too much for one man. There should be load shedding to ensure efficiency. 

 U.S. Ladan (Snr), an engineer, wrote from Abuja and can be reached at:[email protected]