FG, DisCos plan 24/7 power supply zones

ABUJA — The Federal Government and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are planning to establish dedicated 24-hour power supply zones in major high-demand areas across the country.

The initiative is aimed at providing stable electricity to homes, businesses and industries while improving the capacity of DisCos to take up available generation and deliver it to consumers.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a strategic closed-door meeting with the management of selected DisCos on the proposed energy zones.

The zones will initially target three major economic corridors: the Lagos axis; Abuja-Kaduna-Kano axis; and Enugu-Port Harcourt axis.

According to Tegbe, challenges confronting Nigeria’s electricity sector extend beyond generation and transmission to distribution, particularly the capacity to take up available power and effectively deliver it to consumers.

He said the proposed zones would help address distribution constraints in high-demand areas, unlock commercial and industrial electricity demand, and strengthen the revenue and collection performance of DisCos.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing electricity infrastructure in high-demand areas to ensure that supply keeps pace with the estimated needs of Nigeria’s growing economy.

The initiative is expected to create a more coordinated approach to power supply in areas with significant commercial and industrial activity by addressing infrastructure gaps and improving electricity delivery to consumers.

Tegbe explained that the engagement was in line with the disciplined and sequenced approach to tackling challenges in the power sector, which he committed to upon assuming office.

The Ministry said the initiative was also in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places reliable electricity supply at the centre of economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.

The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Sahara Energy Group.

The ministry said the engagement was expected to lead to further discussions on the infrastructure, commercial and operational requirements for implementing the proposed 24-hour power supply zones.