The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC), has acknowledged and apologized for the significant inconvenience caused by the ongoing power supply challenges affecting customers across its franchise and has appealed for calm and continued dialogue with communities as efforts intensify to address the situation.

The distribution company, in a statement issued on the current power supply situation, explained that the supply constraints being experienced across parts of its network are largely linked to challenges affecting power generation and supply on the national grid.

According to IBEDC, gas supply shortages to power generating plants have reduced generation capacity nationwide, resulting in increased load shedding across its network, stating that electricity demand within the IBEDC franchise has risen considerably in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in line with regulatory directives.

However, despite the rising demand, energy allocation from the national grid has remained unstable and subject to periodic declines, creating a wider gap between available supply and customer demand.

 “As a result of these constraints, some communities within our franchise are experiencing supply shortfalls. We fully understand the frustration this has generated among our customers, and we sincerely apologise for the disruption to homes, businesses, and economic activities,” the statement noted.

IBEDC management also noted that the situation has triggered protests in some communities within its franchise. While recognising the right of customers to express their concerns, the Company appealed for constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

“The current supply challenges have understandably sparked protests in some communities within our franchise with more communities threatening to protest. We appeal to our valued customers and communities to embrace dialogue rather than protests. IBEDC has been actively engaging community leaders and stakeholders across our coverage areas to foster mutual understanding of the situation and to work together towards sustainable solutions,”  the company stated.

IBEDC further assured customers that it is actively engaging relevant stakeholders within the power value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, restore stability to the grid, and improve electricity supply to customers.