FIC Report (Ekiti State) – Due to the inadequate supply of power from the national grid, Ekiti State Government has taken further steps to improve electricity generation, transmission, distribution and metering, particularly through active collaboration with investors and electricity service providers willing to participate in developing the electricity market in the State.
The State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko made this known during a meeting with members of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in Ado-Ekiti.
Aluko cited the inadequacy of energy being supplied to the State from the National grid, adding that the State would be exploring alternative sources of power especially such as gas, hydrogen, biomass and in particular solar energy which could be achieved, if sufficient land was available.
He noted that a one-megawatt Solar farm required about two hectares of land which was a viable option for the State in view of the all year sunshine in the State.
Aluko, however, stated that pressure on land available in the State remained a concern in the solar option, unless rooftop possibilities were also explored.
He stressed that the State has made a significant progress in regulating its own electricity market, with the establishment of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau in accordance with powers conferred by various national and state laws, to decentralised the operations of Gencos and DIsCOs in Nigeria.
The Commissioner also urged communities to take advantage of the individual prepaid metering schemes in both rural and urban communities asking them to route their various requests through the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau since the State has already licensed meter providers to sell meters at affordable prices.
He lamented the frequency rate of vandalism and theft of transformer, armoured cable and transformer oil, stressing the need for Benin Electricity Distribution Company and the entire Communities to put down measures of protecting the transformers and other electrical equipment, which were often targeted by vandals and thieves.
He expressed his admiration for the State Traditional Rulers for being outspoken with the interest of their Communities.
Aluko also charged all Communities to establish electricity contact committee that would be focusing on electricity matters and liasing with the EKSERB on any electricity matters.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr David Samson assured the Obas that the Bureau was ready to give necessary assistance to any electrical investors that were willing to participate in Ekiti Electricity market.
Responding, the Chairman of the traditional Rulers in Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, thanked the State Government for its efforts on electricity supply in the State.
During the Question and Answer sessions, some of the concerns requested for adequate generation for better distribution, functional and steady electricity supply, replacement of old wires, need for electricity extension, need to put an end to erratic supply of electricity as well as suggestions to generate electricity from the dams.
Signed
Ayeni, O.T.
CIAPRO
