The Minster of Power,Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says progress has been recorded at the distribution levels of electricity.
He listed the recent achievements in the franchise areas of the Benin DisCo to include the newly completed Asaba main 2x15MVA injection substation commissioned on Monday.
Fashola said the completion of the substation was expected to improve service by reduction of load shedding and increase power supply to Okwe, Akuebulu, Jarret, Ogbeofu, Osadebe way, Okwe housing estate and Oduke.
“Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week and month by month we have not only gained momentum, we are seeing progress that inspires us to continue, because the power problem can be successfully managed by Nigerians.”
On further measures to improve power supply in the coverage areas of the Benin DisCos, Fashola said Asaba – Benin 330KV line was energized to service on November 3.
Asaba 330kv substation is now being fed from both Benin and Onitsha.
“The line also raised the number of circuits from Onitsha to Benin to three.
According to him, a 40mva 132/33kv mobile transformer is undergoing installation at Auchi with in-house capacity to be commissioned in two weeks time.
Fashola also disclosed that a new 330/ 132kv substation would be constructed at Okpai with a 132kv line from the station to service a proposed 132/33kv substation at Kwale.
He also hinted that installation of a new 60mva 132/33kv transformer would commence at Irrua transmission station any time from now.
The Minster thanked well-meaning Nigerians who acknowledged that their experience on the power supply had improved, adding that their honesty inspired government and the operators to continue the improvement.
He, however, admitted that there were other challenges that must be collectively addressed.
On estimated billing and metering, he also explained that government and sector operators were anxiously awaiting the regulation from NERC to open up meter supply business.
