KEDCO bemoans electricity supply challenges in North-West, seeks FG’s intervention

Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has expressed deep concern over the persistent challenges affecting electricity supply from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the National Grid to the Northwestern states.

In a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications,Sani Bala Sani, the company, therefore,appealed to the Federal Government to urgently direct TCN to prioritize critical transmission projects and maintenance to improve power delivery across the region.

KEDCO noted that its network currently depends on only two major transmission routes for power supply into the Kano Complex, through Kaduna and Jos.

“This limited transmission redundancy has significantly constrained the reliability and stability of electricity supply to Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and surrounding areas, leaving the network highly vulnerable to outages whenever faults occur on either route,” it said.

The company emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security, maintenance, and capacity expansion along the Shiroro–Mando–Kano transmission corridor.

According to KEDCO, increased investment is required to strengthen infrastructure, expand transmission capacity, and build redundancy into the network to reduce system vulnerability and ensure more consistent power delivery.

“These improvements will address longstanding limitations within the transmission network that continue to impact distribution efficiency and service reliability,” the company noted.

It further explained that in recent weeks, scheduled maintenance and service interventions on the transmission network, especially that involving the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) along the transmission line routes resulted in recurring weekend downtimes.

“These situations remain detrimental to both industrial productivity and the welfare of citizens across the Northwestern states and the KEDCO franchise area, in particular,” the statement said further.

The company therefore appealed to the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, to direct TCN to urgently improve transmission service delivery and accelerate ongoing maintenance and upgrade projects.

It noted that improved transmission stability is critical to sustaining economic activities and ensuring reliable electricity for homes and businesses.

In the interim, KEDCO stated that available supply will be strategically managed to prioritize industrial and economic hubs and small-scale businesses to maintain economic balance across its franchise areas.

The company is actively engaging with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to mitigate the impact of supply constraints and improve service coordination.

It also disclosed that plans to expand embedded and distributed generation infrastructure within its network are being fast-tracked.

“These initiatives aim to reduce absolute dependence on the national grid and move toward a more resilient and consolidated regional power system capable of delivering a sustainable electricity supply,” KEDCO said.

It expressed profound appreciation to the Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa state governments for their increased investment in power infrastructure, particularly in generation projects.

The ongoing projects,it said,include the 20MW hybridization project at Lambar Rimi, in Katsina State, a planned 10MW project in Gagarawa Jigawa State, as well as the connection of the 16MW Tiga and Challawa Dams (combined) in Kano State.

The company said it is partnering with investors to develop a Gas power plant in Tamburawa alongside the AKK pipeline timeline.

It reassured customers and stakeholders that the current challenges will not persist indefinitely, affirming its commitment to working with all relevant authorities and partners to ensure a more sustainable and reliable electricity network for the region.

“KEDCO remains steadfast in its resolve to advocate for the necessary improvements within the national transmission network and will continue to take all possible steps to ensure that the concerns of its customers and stakeholders are heard and addressed through appropriate and timely actions,” the statement added