Electricity: FG plans 6,000MW in 6 months, threatens revocation of licences

Electricity: FG plans 6,000MW in 6 months, threatens revocation of licences

The Federal Government has set a target of six months to raise power generation and distribution from the current 4,000 megawatts to 6,000MW.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this on Monday, saying the current supply level was unacceptable and hindering development.

He also hinted about plans to bring new entrants to the industry, stressing that the government was committed to decentralising the power sector.

He spoke ahead of a meeting with the heads of agencies under the Power Ministry in Abuja.

Adelabu said gas supply challenges and debt owed to the GenCos were receiving attention.

“I want to reassure Nigerians that what we’re experiencing is temporary. We are addressing the root causes of all these issues.

“I am confident that we’re going to have some cash injection in terms of payments,” he said.

Warning distribution companies to sit up, the minister said, “Any DisCo that is found wanting will be severely dealt with because their actions or inactions directly affect the performance of the sector.

“I’ve discussed with the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“If we ramp up generation to 6,000 megawatts as planned in three to six months, if we ramp up our infrastructure in transmission to get power to the DisCos, if the DisCos are not picking up this power, it amounts to nothing.

“Willful refusal to take up supplied power by the DisCos is a qualified basis for revocation of licence also.

“So, they should not frustrate our effort in generation and the transmission.”

The minister said there was no plan to remove the 65 per cent subsidy on electricity yet.