Electricity Crisis in Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano States
Despite the increase in power generation, customers in Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano states are complaining of low supply of electricity to meet their needs. The rainy season is typically a period when Nigerians enjoy electricity due to hydro power plants operating at maximum capacity. However, some sources in the electricity sector have highlighted that despite challenges like vandalism and non-payment of bills, distribution companies (DisCos) are working to bridge the gap.
These sources mentioned that they try to balance the distribution of available electricity between industrial areas, metred locations willing to pay, and other residential areas. They also pointed out that the issue of Band A, Band B, Band C, and others is well-known, and it’s disingenuous to generalize that there is no supply of electricity.
In Katsina State, erratic power supply has taken a toll on businesses, rendering thousands of business owners jobless and subjecting them to hardship. Residential buildings are also suffering as many homes go without power for days. Residents face continuous power shortages, low voltage when it is available, and damage to business equipment.
Bakeries, welding and fabrication factories, shop owners, and other businesses that require power are the most affected. Even when there is power supply, people experience low voltage such that they cannot power electrical appliances. Business owners are devising alternatives for survival.
Government and private institutions are also forced to revert to alternative sources of energy like solar power to reduce reliance on the irregular conventional power source. Some business owners and electricity consumers, such as Dr. Isma’il Balarabe, said they have been struggling to survive under excessive power shortages in Katsina State.
Dr. Muktar Alkasim noted that the epileptic power supply has been persistent in Katsina State, crippling businesses across all sectors. Mrs. Ngozi Anosike, a shop owner dealing in soft drinks, said her business has collapsed, forcing her to resort to menial jobs. Hajiya Hannatu lamented that she can no longer preserve food items in the fridge due to the situation.
Uneven Electricity Distribution in Kano
In Kano, Daily Trust gathered that there is a growing disparity in electricity supply. Commercial zones that pay higher tariffs reportedly enjoy longer hours of power, while many residential areas are left in darkness for most parts of the day. Ahmad Aminu, a resident of Naibawa quarters in Kano metropolis, described the situation as frustrating.
Yusuf Idris, another resident from Kuntau, expressed similar concerns. He noted that despite a steep increase in monthly payments, the supply has worsened. He added that the hike has led to mass disconnections in the area, with many households turning to solar energy as an alternative.
However, industries and businesses that pay millions in electricity bills appear to be benefiting from the new arrangement. Sama’ila Sulaiman, who runs a small ice block business at Farm Centre, said his firm now enjoys up to 22 hours of steady power supply.
KEDCO’s Response
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Sani Bala Sani, said evidence shows there is stable power supply in its franchise areas of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa. He, however, said due to the rainy season, there is disruption of electricity in some areas due to fall of electricity poles caused by strong winds.
He also mentioned preventive maintenance by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the recent strike by PENGASSAN contributed to the shortfall in electricity load. KEDCO is making massive investments to improve its operations and customers’ experience by upgrading its infrastructure and investing in solar energy for reliable electricity in the states.
Electricity Problems in Kaduna
Residents of Tudun Wada in Kaduna South Local government have lamented the low supply of electricity since September. For Hadiza Adam, her sachet water business has been greatly affected due to the low supply of electricity. Another resident, Muhammed Ahmed, said the lack of adequate power supply in the area has deprived him of entertaining himself as he no longer subscribes to his satellite network.
Right now, in some communities in Kaduna State, residents are facing serious electricity problems. Areas such as Tudun Wada, Unguwar Sanusi, Sabon Gari, Tudun Nufawa, Rigasa, Hayin Dan Manni, Hayin Malam Bello, Zango, Kinkinau, Unguwar Kanyawa, and Abakwa, among others, have been in darkness because of poor electricity.
Most residents in these places complain that they hardly get electricity, and when they do, it only lasts for one to three hours in a day. Some people even spend several days without power at all. This has affected small businesses like welders and cold drink sellers who depend on electricity to survive.
Why the North Gets Lower Electricity Allocation
A check on the website of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that 4,025.00 megawatt of electricity was generated on the grid. 1,491 is allocated to the four DisCos that distribute electricity to the region. A source at the TCN said there has always been agreement on electricity allocation to DisCos.
The source stated that despite this agreement, DisCos sometimes reject load allocation because they lack capacity to distribute to their customers. This happens due to lack of investment in the distribution network as the companies have refused to invest in infrastructures to carry this load.
For the North, the source said DisCos complain of customers not paying for electricity which explains why the region gets lower allocation. The President of Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, said the issue of lower allocation of electricity to the North stems from inability to have a large number of industries, energy theft, and lack of investments in distribution networks.
