The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has dismissed recent claims made by the Challawa Industrial Manufacturers Association regarding alleged poor power supply and high electricity tariffs in the Challawa industrial area.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO described the allegations as “outright falsehoods” and “malicious.”
This rebuttal comes after the Secretary of the Challawa Industrial Manufacturers Association, Aliyu Mahadi, alleged that manufacturers in the area suffer from inadequate power supply and are charged excessive tariffs despite being classified as Band A customers.
Reacting to the interview, KEDCO said, “From our daily dispatch records, available hours of supply for feeders in the Challawa industrial area – 33kV Coca Cola, 11kV Ceramic, and 11kV NBC, all Band A – have consistently recorded a daily average of 23 hours and 45 minutes throughout the month and prior.”
KEDCO also addressed the claim that manufacturers were receiving Band C services despite their feeders being categorised under Band A. According to the company, such a mismatch would have triggered a downgrade in line with regulatory compliance.
“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) closely monitors and assesses our service level compliance,” the statement said. “If his claims were true, the feeders would have been subjected to a downgrade as part of the service contract agreements.”
Reaffirming its commitment to industrial development, KEDCO noted that it prioritises power supply to industrial clusters like Challawa as part of its broader goal to power homes and businesses across its franchise areas.
“We recognise the pivotal role of SMEs in our local economy and have taken deliberate steps over the past 12 months to cushion the impact of rising energy costs,” said Sani Bala Sani. “By supplying manufacturers with reliable power at competitive rates significantly below market costs, we aim to foster innovation and employment generation.”
KEDCO urged customers and stakeholders to verify facts before making public statements capable of misleading the public and damaging the company’s reputation.
“As we continue to invest in network expansion and upgrades to improve reliability and reduce losses, we remain committed to excellence in service delivery,” the company added.
(Channels TV)
