Kunle KALEJAYE

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, has delivered 500 transformers to the government of Ogun State, in fulfillment of the terms of its sales contract signed with the government.

The transformers, which cost over N700million have distribution capacity ranging from 200 to 500 KVA, and includes one 2.5MVA power transformer.

Schneider said the transformers will assist the state government to boost access to electricity in the rural communities of the state.

Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosu, said at the official distribution of the transformers in Abeokuta, the state capital was not competing with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, in the provision of transformers, but only complementing their efforts.

He said, “We are not in any competition with PHCN but we are doing this to complement their efforts to provide sustainable power supply for the people of Ogun state, especially those in the rural areas to make life more beautiful for them.”

He added that the state is ready to assist the federal government to achieve the objectives of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act, to boost power supply in the country.

The Commissioner of Special Duties, Dr. Lanre Teduosho, said the distribution of the 500 transformers is a clear indication of the governor’s commitment to providing electricity in rural communities in the state.

According to him, “The transformers will be well maintained by the various communities that will receive them because our partners, Schneider Electric, will train our people overseas to develop the required skills needed to maintain these transformers and in solar energy.”

The Country President, Schneider Electric Nigeria, Mr. Marcel Hochet, said, “the supply of 500 world class transformers represents another milestone in our relationship with the Ogun State Government.

“It reflects our desire to continue to partner with the state government to extend access to electricity in the rural communities of Ogun State. Access to electricity will boost the productive capacity of people in the rural areas and help tackle poverty and unemployment.”

He said that the transformers were built to the global quality standard for which Schneider Electric is known, adding that if well maintained, the transformers could last for up to 35 years.

Hochet commended the Ogun State Government for its unrelenting effort to improve access to power in the state. “We wish to commend the Ogun State Government for its tireless effort to enhance access to electricity in the state. We wish to assure the government of our commitment to work with it on an ongoing basis to achieve this objective,” he added.

Unveiling its latest upgraded renewable energy solutions, Hochet said, “These solutions include containerised micro off-grid- solution – Villasol, individual home lighting solution – Indiya, and solar powered water solution – Water of the Sun.”

He described the upgraded solutions as part of Schneider Electric’s commitment to meeting the rising global energy needs through innovation.

“Schneider Electric is a leader in innovation. We have upgraded our existing renewable energy solutions to suit the peculiar energy needs of people across our markets. It is our belief that these solutions will assist governments, NGOs and corporate organisations among others address the energy need of people especially in the remote rural areas.”

The governor, therefore, appealed to the recipient communities to provide adequate security for the transformers.