ANGRY youths from Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have protested lack of public electricity supply to their communities,  as they barricaded the Afaha Ube power transmission station, preventing workers access into the premises.

With constant bailout funds to Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, without commensurate improvement in power supply, the Senate has advised the Federal Government to approve the sale of its 40 per cent stake in the sector to foreign investors.

Electricity consumers in the markets – Sura (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba) and Sabon Gari (Kano) – have tasked service providers, for better deals, ranging from low tariff to extension of service to all parts of the markets. The three Independent Power Plants, IPPs, were initiated through Energizing Economies Initiative, EEI of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, to ensure the rapid deployment of off-grid electricity solutions to Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise, MSME’s in economic clusters, including markets, shopping complexes and agricultural/industrial clusters, nationwide. An investigation by Vanguard, over the weekend, showed that the initiative, which started in September 2017, has since become operational, delivering power to users in the three States. However, business owners, who spoke with Vanguard, in different interviews in Ariaria, and Sabon Gari markets, complained of a relatively high tariff and the need to extend supply to all parts of the markets.

THE Nasarawa State government is set to generate a private electricity from coal deposit in Obi local government area of the state.

The implementation of the Electricity Roadmap through which the nation hopes to achieve 11, 000 MW by 2025 commences in December.