The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has
accused Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) of forming themselves into
an
association.
He said his ministry will not deal with an association because the Bureau
of Public Enterprises (BPE) acting for the National Council on Privatization
(NCP) did not contract the asset sales and performance agreements with an
association.
Fashola who stated this at the 19th monthly meeting of his ministry with
power sector stakeholders yesterday in Jos, Plateau State, alleged that the
objective of disseminating information to members of the public on what is
being done to resolve the problems of electricity and provide service is being
frustrated by the Electricity Distribution Companies in the country.
According to him, the objective is not being fully achieved or at worst
is being frustrated by the DisCos that have formed themselves into an
Association of Distribution Companies, and have persistently issued statements
on issues they either did not present for discussion at meetings, or which
contradict the communiqué that is jointly agreed and released after each
meeting.
“While the right of association is a constitutional right which they are
entitled to exercise, the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing also reserves
the right to recognize or deal with the companies as an association.”
He narrated that the government contracted with 11 investors in the
distribution companies and the Commission licensed 11 distribution companies,
adding that Government will continue to relate with the distribution companies
as such, through meeting, or individually to ensure that they discharge their
duties to consumers.
On the unfortunate electrocution incident in Calabar, Cross Rivers State,
the Minister said while the incident was regrettable and the consequences very
saddening, they were clearly man-made and avoidable, adding that it occurred as
a result of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
According to Guardian, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said the state government is in
active collaboration with the Power Sector, Jos Electricity Distribution
Company (JEDC) PLC and Nigeria Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) Ltd are
located in Plateau State, adding that the active collaboration with both JED
Company and NESCO to ease their operations, by creating the enabling
environment in terms of security and community relations, as well as investing
in the provision of power distribution assets in rural communities.
Lalong added that the state government is in support of the National
Power Goal of 30:30:30 being pursued by Nigeria towards not just improving
power supply, but doing so with emphasis on increasing the contribution of
renewable energy in the National Energy Mix.
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