Minister of Powers says erratic electricity supply will be over in December

The erratic power supply being experienced across the country will be addressed by December this year, the minister of power has said.

The minister, Professor Barth Nnaji also said that there will be moderately improved power supply by July this year and a renewed distribution model which will allow the distribution companies to promote planned distribution and have citizens informed beforehand.

He also said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has agreed to deliver gas to power generating plants.

He also said in the next seven months, there will have been completion of some new generating plants, transmission lines and a more developed distribution pattern.

According to him, the reconstituted Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission will provide the implementation of a tariff review on June 1st which will be accompanied with a metering system.

"It will interest Nigerians to know that whereas there is a tariff of N7 per kilowatt is what is being paid now by the urban poor and rural dwellers; the new tariff rate will allow this class(R1) to pay at N4 per kilowatt"

Reeling out government medium term for power sector, the Minister said between 2013 and 2015, there would be increased power generation and transmission lines.

He also said during the period, labour force impact will be more positive and sustainable.

According to him, between 2015 and 2020, there will be increased diversification into renewable energy sources.

"This will include small and medium hydropower, solar,bio-waste to energy,coal,etc. Equally, the bulk trader becomes very prominent in this operations at this stage".

Appealing to Nigerians to be patient, the Minister said that the stage is set for monumental change in the sector.

He said given the political will the President has demonstrated on the sector, it was evident that the country would overcome the power challenges in no time.

Daily Trust

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