The Nigerian city of Kaduna hosted a three-day summit addressing the chronic power supply issues plaguing businesses and residents. Organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the summit provided a platform for electricity consumers to voice their frustrations over the persistent collapse of the national grid and the resulting epileptic power supply from the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company. Businesses, particularly manufacturing companies heavily reliant on consistent power, suffered significant financial losses due to the unreliable grid. Consumers demanded not only compensation for these losses but also concrete solutions to prevent future disruptions.
One of the most poignant testimonies came from R.H. Plastics Limited, a major consumer of Kaduna Electric. Company representatives detailed how the October grid collapse resulted in a staggering N60 million loss over just ten days. The company, which consumes over 500,000 kWh of electricity monthly at a cost of N100 million, emphasized the unsustainable nature of relying on generators as a backup power source. The grid collapse triggered a cascade of negative consequences, including process wastage, quality defects, and unmet customer demands, ultimately impacting the company’s bottom line and its ability to fulfill its commitments. Beyond compensation, R.H. Plastics called for Kaduna Electric to address persistent issues like power fluctuations, low voltage, and unexpected outages, which cumulatively hinder productivity and profitability.
The summit highlighted the plight of numerous businesses, particularly those categorized as “Band A” customers. These customers, entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of electricity per day, reported receiving significantly less, often averaging around 16 hours. This chronic shortfall in power supply threatened the viability of their businesses, further underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions. The widespread impact of inadequate power supply painted a bleak picture of the challenges facing businesses in Kaduna, emphasizing the critical role of reliable electricity in economic stability and growth.
While acknowledging the significant impact of power outages on businesses and residents, NERC Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Aisha Mahmud, clarified that Distribution Companies (DisCos) were not directly responsible for grid collapses and therefore not obligated to provide compensation. She emphasized that the summit’s primary purpose was to address customer grievances and ensure fair treatment by utility companies. Mahmud assured attendees that NERC would work diligently to resolve complaints on the spot, while more complex, technical issues would necessitate site visits for thorough investigation and resolution. This clarification, while perhaps not the answer consumers were hoping for, highlighted the complexities of the power sector and the division of responsibilities.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by the Managing Director of Kaduna State Power Supply Company, Aminu Idris, underscored the paramount importance of improving power supply not only within Kaduna but across the nation. This sentiment echoed the widespread recognition that a reliable power infrastructure is essential for economic development and improved quality of life. The summit provided a vital forum for dialogue and collaboration between government representatives, regulatory bodies, and electricity consumers, fostering a collective approach to tackling the power challenges facing the state.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Electric, Umar Abubakar, reinforced the summit’s core objective: to address and resolve customer complaints. This commitment reflected a recognition of the need for improved communication and responsiveness from the DisCo to its customer base. The summit served as a critical step in bridging the gap between electricity provider and consumer, fostering a more collaborative and transparent relationship. While the immediate issue of compensation remained unresolved, the summit provided a much-needed platform for airing grievances, identifying critical issues, and setting the stage for future improvements in Kaduna’s power supply landscape. The hope remains that the dialogue initiated at the summit will translate into concrete action, bringing much-needed relief to businesses and residents struggling under the weight of unreliable power.
