Oyo govt. targets generating 2000MW through IPP

Oyo State Government has set a target to generate 2000 megawatts (MW) of electricity as it disclosed that necessary arrangements are being put in place to generate more electricity through the Independent Power Project (IPP), adding that it has sought the approval of the National Energy Regulation Commission (NERC)

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Wasiu Dauda made the disclosure at the weekend during a meeting with the Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, (IBEDC) at IBEDC office headquarters in Ibadan.

Mr. Dauda stated that the state government is poised to proffer a lasting solution to the challenge of power generation shortfall in the state in order to improve the social and economic growth of individuals, corporate organisations, the state and the country at large.

The Commissioner explained that the analysis of the energy needs of the State revealed that Oyo State requires about 1265MW, stressing that the state government has requested for the approval of the National Energy Regulation Commission (NERC) to generate 2000MW embedded power.

He stated that the State Government is already having fruitful discussions with Messrs Diversified Global Eco- Energy (DGE) and efforts are in top gear to kick-start the project using Ibadan North and South West Local Governments as a pilot scheme with a total of 100MW.

He further stressed that Ibadan North Local Government is chosen to represent the residential client template of the scheme while Ibadan South West Local Government represents the industrial client template, pointing that a total of 50MW is intended to be provided for each of the Local Government Area chosen as a pilot scheme.

Dauda added, “DGE has agreed to finance the cost of the equipment, however, the company requires a sovereign guarantee of the state government. To consummate the actualization of this noble project, a special Project Entity (SPE) consisting of DGE, Oyo State Government and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) will have to be formed”.

He, also noted that the intention of the State Government is to provide 24 hours day long uninterrupted electricity at a relatively cheaper cost both for the individual households and industrial purposes and thereby reduce a colossal sum being spent to generate power by the citizenry.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Mr. John Donnachie, assured that IBEDC will work with Oyo state Government to ensure the success of the project.

”I am so happy to reaffirm the support of Ibadan Electricity Distribution company (IBEDC), because it’s what we have been looking forward to and we pledge our full support and commitment to create a viable electricity industry that works for the citizenry”, he said.