Power Sector And Other Related News Stories For Thursday 28th March 2024
Ibadan DisCo Disconnects UCH Over N400m Debt
The management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc, has disconnected the power supply to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH) due to an outstanding debt exceeding N400 million Naira, the DisCo said in a release.
According to the release obtained by BusinessDay, this drastic measure comes after exhaustive attempts to engage with the hospital’s management regarding the substantial overdue balance, which has persisted for over six years.
The hospital’s power supply has been disconnected by IBEDC three times between February and March 2024 due to accumulated debt.
“Despite numerous written correspondences and multiple meetings, UCH management has displayed an uncooperative attitude toward addressing the outstanding debt,” the DisCo said in the statement signed by Johnson Tinuoye, chief key accounts officer of IBEDC.
“IBEDC’s fiduciary responsibility to its stakeholders and market operators necessitates timely and complete remittances, especially considering the liquidity crisis facing DisCos.”
https://businessday.ng/news/article/ibadan-disco-disconnects-uch-over-n400m-debt/
Eko DisCo Appoints Acting CEO
Rekhiat Momoh on Tuesday assumed office as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC).
The company disclosed this in a statement signed by its board of directors.
According to the statement, this follows the redeployment of its erstwhile Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Tinuade Sanda, back to WPG Ltd, the core investor who seconded her to Eko Disco.
“We wish to inform the general public that Mrs Rekhiat Momoh has today 26th March 2024 assumed the role of Acting CEO of Eko Disco,” the statement said.
It explained that Mrs Momoh has been in the power sector for more than 31 meritorious years.
“She has risen through the ranks in the power sector from the days of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and now Eko Disco, receiving several excellence awards, commendations and medals along the way.
“A marketer by training, she has an MBA from Lagos State University. She’s a fellow of several organisations including Nigeria Institute of Management, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and several others.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/681183-eko-disco-appoints-acting-ceo.html
Eko DisCo Sacks MD, Others Over FG’s Directive
The Board of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) has relieved its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Tinuade Sanda of her duties with immediate effect.
The Board, in a statement, announced Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh as the acting CEO with effect from yesterday. The acting CEO has more than 31 years cognate experience in the power sector having risen through the ranks from the days of NEPA, PHCN and now Eko Disco.
A letter addressed to Sanda and signed by the EKEDC Chairman, Mr. Dere Otubu, titled: ‘‘Implementation of NERC Directive on Seconded Staff dated March 25, 2024, stated that NERC has directed the EKEDC, to ensure that all staff working for the utility firm are employed directly by the utility and are bound by service conditions that are applicable to the employees of the utility and paid through the utility’s payroll.
Otubu in the letter to Sanda said EKEDC was obligated to obey the directive due to the powers of NERC as stipulated by the Electricity Act of 2023.
‘‘In compliance to the above directive, all seconded staff of West Power and Gas (WPG) Limited are being released by EKEDC and returned to WPG Limited.
“You are hereby relieved of your role, office and position at EKEDC, effective immediately and returned to your employer, WPG Limited.
https://sunnewsonline.com/eko-disco-sacks-md-others-over-fgs-directive/
Kaduna DisCo Warns Customers Over Unpaid Bills
The management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has debunked speculations that the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, had paid for electricity supply consumed by residents during the month of Ramadan, warning customers against disconnection.
Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric, Head of Corporate Communication, in a statement ,said the governor only subsidised the amount to be paid for improved power supply during the fasting period with an undisclosed amount of money.
In a statement by Abdullahi, the Kebbi governor had invited the management of Kaduna Electric, led by the Managing Director, Umar Hashidu for a meeting to actualise the plan of delivering improved electricity supply to Kebbi State.
Despite the numerous challenges of poor generation, the Kaduna Electric, said it resolved to work with the Kebbi State Government to improve power supply to the state by utilising the Service Based Tariff mechanism introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Authority.
https://independent.ng/kaduna-disco-warns-customers-over-unpaid-bills/
We Can’t Continue to Work in Darkness – UCH Workers Lament Blackout
Staff members at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, have voiced their frustrations over the persistent power outage that has hampered their operations since Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
During a congress organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) — a coalition representing all hospital unions — it became evident that the ongoing power outage has made it impossible for the hospital’s workforce to continue their duties effectively.
The assembly, attended by members from various unions, including NASU, NANNM, NUAHP, and SSAUTHRIAI, took place within the hospital’s premises, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the institution as a result of the power outage.
Naija News reports that the chairman of JAC, Comrade Oludayo Olabampe, shared the committee’s concerns with the press, stressing the immediate need for action to resolve the electricity crisis.
“Since Tuesday last week, we have been experiencing total power outage simply because the IBEDC cut our light, they said UCH is owing N495m debt. And they said we must settle a substantial amount before the power can be restored,” Olabampe explained.
The absence of power has placed an unbearable strain on the hospital staff, who are now faced with increased risks and challenging working conditions.
