A day after mass protest over epileptic power supply in Kebbi, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has blamed the situation on the unwillingness of consumers to settle their electricity bills.
Mr Dogara Sa’idu, KEDCO’s Business Manager in the state, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, that the company had run into deficit due to the negative attitude of consumers towards bills’ payment.
“In June, the state received 33,978.78 megawatts hour of electricity at the total cost of N853.8 million but got about N211.38 million from consumers, leaving N641.70 million unpaid.
“In July, the state received 31,108.85 megawatts hour of electricity at the cost of N748.502 million but received about N211.547 million and left N534.905 million unpaid,” he explained.
Sa’idu said“As we can see, there is enough electricity supply to the state, the problem is that our company cannot continue to provide the services at a loss.
”Meanwhile, Kebbi Government has appealed to electricity consumers in the state to settle their bills promptly.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Alhaji Shu’aibu Aliero, said prompt payment of the bills would ensure steady power supply.
“KEDCO should also ensure timely distribution of bills and collection of payment for electricity to consumers in the state,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some residents of Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi capital, took to the streets on Monday in protest over deteriorating power supply in the state.
(NAN)
