The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) is to install free prepaid meters to 80 per cent of its customers in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba States by 2017.
The Acting Managing Director of the company, Mr Baba-Umar Mustafa, made this known on Tuesday in Yola while disclosing the company’s metering plan for 2017.
Mustafa said that preparation has been concluded to meet that target in the affected states where it has about 300,000 customers.
“We are going to meter at least 80 per cent of our customers free of charge; this is our meter development plan for 2017,” Mustafa said.
He also disclosed that about 240 single phase High Voltage Transformers had been acquired to boost power supply.
“We have gotten some intervention transformers we hope will boost small and medium enterprises in our area of franchise.
“These transformers are rated 15, 20 and 25 KVA, and are suppose to be pole mounted; the purpose of these transformers is to reduce technical loses, reduce frequent cut of fuse due to over loading.”
On drastic fall in power supply being experience now, Mustafa attributed it to fall in power supply from the national grid due to low gas supply.
He noted that YEDC, which used to get over 100 megawatts, is now getting far less.
“Last Saturday we received just six megawatts which is very difficult to distribute within Yola metropolis talk less of giving it out to other areas.”
On restoration of power supply to areas affected by insurgency, Mustafa said that power has been restored to Mubi and Gombi Local Government areas.
He added that assessment work have been done for Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, Gujba, Askira/Uba, Michika and Madagali Local Government Areas.
He explained that the assessment report had been presented to the Presidential Initiative on the Reconstruction of the North East for its intervention. (NAN)
