The Nation Newspaper

Tag: transformers

  • Senator provides transformers, boreholes for Kogi constituents

    The Senator representing Kogi Central, Ahmed Ogembe has donated 25 boreholes and six transformers to the five local government areas in the district.

    The boreholes are spread across the five council areas of Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ogorimagongo and Ajaokuta.

    He disclosed that work has reached advanced stages at the Okene multipurpose civic centre.

    Represented by his media aide, Mr. Yemi Duke, during the presentation, he described his achievements in one year as evident that he is determined to give priority to the welfare of the people in his district.

    He said, “It is evident that we have a representative at the senate who is ready to give priority to the welfare of his people.”

    Speaking on the civic centre in Okene, Duke said it was the initiative of the senator, as local government chairman, but which he could not complete before the end of his tenure.

    “The senator initiated the idea of the civic centre to serve as a rallying point for the people of the council area, but could not complete it then, as he won the election to the senate.

    “He therefore decided to complete the project to achieve his dream of bringing the people together under one roof,” he said.

    He listed other his other priority areas to include empowerment with direct impact on the people in view of the current economy recession.

    He thanked the people for their mandate, adding that he is determined to do his best at good representation in the Senate.

  • Communities hail Ayade for providing transformers

    Communities hail Ayade for providing transformers

    Residents of communities in Obudu Local Government of Cross River State have hailed Governor Ben Ayade for providing them with seven 300KVA transformers to improve power supply.

    NAN reports the benefiting communities are Okutia, Ukpe, Betia, Ohon, Bebwagbon, Ikwumukera and Pan New Layout.

    Dr. Peter Ogban, a leader in Okutia, told NAN yesterday the governor fulfilled one of his campaign promises to the community.

    He said the transformers would improve power supply and boost economy.

    “We have been living in darkness for a long time. This transformer is like a new born baby to us and we will protect it.

    “I praise our governor for fulfilling his promise to improve electricity supply in this community,” Ogban said.

    A traditional head in Betia, Mr. Ashipu Adie, said electricity was essential for community development.

    He thanked the government for choosing the community as one of the beneficiaries of the gesture.

    Mr. Solomon Ubi, the youth leader of Ohon, said constant power supply would encourage youths to engage in meaningful ventures to generate income.

    “Electricity is crucial to the development of any society.

    “I assure you that when this transformer is connected to the grid, our young men and women will engage in profitable ventures,” he said.

  • Yuletide: EKO Disco to install 138 transformers to boost supply

    Yuletide: EKO Disco to install 138 transformers to boost supply

    The Management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) has said that over 138 transformers worth N700 million had been acquired for replacement of faulty ones to boost supply during the festive period.

    Mr Oladele Amoda, the EKEDC’s managing director made the disclosed during an inspection of newly acquired equipment at their Ijora main store in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Amoda said that the company’s directors source for fund to acquire equipment that would improve the electricity supply within its network to teeming customers during the yuletide season.

    According to him, the company is always thinking of how to satisfy its customers.

    ”The purchase of the new transformers is to ensure that our customers enjoy the yuletide season with quality supply.

    “We have embarked on massive replacement of faulty transformers within the network, we expected customers to reciprocate this gesture by paying their bills.

    “We also expect communities who will benefit from the transformers not to see them as public property but as their own so that they can help us safeguard the transformers against vandalism by unscrupulous elements,’ NAN quotes Amoda saying.

    The EKEDC boss said that the company had lost over N1 billion to various forms of energy theft and equipment vandalism in the last three years.

    He said that the issue of by-passing of meter by customers who wants to avoid payment was rampant within the network.

    He said that EKEDC cannot continue to invest huge sums of money into network improvement and some people will be allowed to vandalise such equipment.

    Amoda warned customers who are in the habit of by-passing meter or involved in any act of energy thefts to desist, adding that the company will not hesitate to prosecute and publish names of culprits in the dailies.

    He advised customers with wrong connection leading to energy theft to report to the company before they are discovered and penalised.

    He said that the company had invested over N13 billion on meters, adding that the company has also commenced installation of over 200,000 free pre-paid meters to customers within its network.

    According to him, ”we have just signed a partnership agreement with a global brand, Huawei of China and Mojec International meter manufacturer and this, we believe, will impact our service.

    “We have commenced a bill reconciliation and verification exercise tagged “Eko Customer Account Reconciliation Exercise’’ this is a way of repackaging energy audit to give it a caring face.”

    Amoda urged customers who had paid for meter under the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme and yet to be metered to bring their documents for immediate meter installation.

    He said that gas had been a serious challenge to generating companies, adding that the EKEDC only received 200 megawatts from the national grid instead of 1,300 megawatts due to gas constraints.

    He assured customers that issues associated with gas constraint would be address shortly, adding that government has tackled some of the bottle neck confronting the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

     

  • Politicians warned against donating incomplete transformers

    The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has warned politicians against donating what it describes as ‘Incomplete Transformers’ to communities. It said  the development portends great dangers to members of the community.

    Its Chief Operating Officer,  Sam Nwaire, said there has been an increase in the number of incomplete or unfinished transformers donated to communities in distribution  zone  in recent times, arguing that the idea amounts to nothing, when one considers the implications on people, who are already battling with problems such as power outage, lack of meters, and others.

    Speaking at a meeting   with residents of Ajeromi/ Ifelodun in Ajeromi Local Government Area of the state, who protested against the proposed increase in electricity tariffs, Nwaire said the issue constituted extra cost to the DisCo, just as it exposed consumers to dangers such as electrocution.

    He said incomplete  transformers are transformers that are lacking  components such as feeder pillar  units (FPUs), cables and other accessories  critical to the use of transformers.

    He likened such transformers to a car without engine, urging politicians providing such equipment under the guise of helping the government to promote socio- economic activities in the country to liase with experts before purchasing them.

    He said: ‘’There is socio-financial cost of unfinished transformers to people by the politicians. That is why, we  are appealing to politicians donating transformers to communities to liase with us. “The reason is because transformers are of different sizes, capacities and brands. For instance, when a  transformer fails to come with key components like FPUs and other accessories, the cost of installing it by DisCo is higher than the transformer itself.’’

    He explained that the failure of DisCos to identify their consumers is a problem in the industry, stressing that the development informed the decision of the firm to commence an enumeration exercise in order to know the actual number of consumers under its jurisdiction.

    He said the exercise would also enable the firm to know the capacity of consumers, and whether consumers are regulating the power load or not.

    He said if the company captures the data of its consumers well, it will help in determining and addressing the challenges facing them.

    According to him, the destruction of the power transmission plant in Asaba, Delta State has affected supply in the country, adding that transmission is a key element in the sector.

    He said the sector is standing on a tripod stand of generation, distribution, and transmission, arguing that people erroneously blame  problems such as infrastructural  deficiency and epileptic power supply on DisCos, without considering the roles of power generation companies (GENCOs) and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    ‘’The DisCos cannot operate in isolation;  they distribute electricity generated by the GenCos, while the Transmission Company of Nigeria wheel or evacuate energy from the grid  and pass it to the DisCos for growth,’’ he added.

  • Ooni: Aspirant donates transformers to residents

    AN aspirant to the vacant Ooni stool, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi from Ojaja Compound in Giesi Ruling House of Ife, has distributed 50 300 and 500 KVA transformers worth N200 million to communities in the town.

    Represented at the distribution exercise by Prince Leke Ijiyode, the donor, however, told the beneficiaries that the gesture was not connected with his aspiration to the Ooni stool.

    Ogunwusi, who noted that the beneficiaries are not to determine who the next Ooni would be, said he was moved by the challenges  which various communities of the town are experiencing as a result of electricity problem.

    He said the economy of the ancient town and its environs has been adversely affected because “many residents, particularly those who use electricity to operate their businesses, have suffered a great deal.”

    Ogunwusi revealed that the the critical need of the communities informed the donation, saying the gesture was meant to support the government in alleviating the suffering of the people.

    According to him, the communities to benefit from the gesture included Parakin, Fasina; NTA area, Fajuyi, Ondo Road Sawmill, Irebami, Oke-Ogbo, Lokore Odin, Lowa Ate, Ife City, Gulf Area, Ikoyi Celestial and Olasode, among others.

    Saying his support for the people of Ife, particularly the poor would come in phases; he also disclosed that plans are on to provide succour for the people in the areas of youth empowerment, water supply and education under several initiatives and programmes.

    Ogunwusi maintained that he had been supporting the people of Ife before Ooni stool became vacant. He said: “I have been assisting students who are indigenes of Ife and often donate instructional materials to schools to aid teaching and learning. The distribution of these transformers is not to induce anyone so that they would make me the Ooni. In fact, the beneficiaries of these transformers are not the people that can make me the Ooni because they are just members of the community and not the kingmakers.

    “So, this gesture is not because of my aspiration to become Ooni. I am really committed to the development of Ife and I have been doing this even before the former Ooni died. We have challenges of epileptic power supply in Ife and this is a major problem.”

    Sawmills operators in Ife and some of the leaders of the communities that benefited from Ogunwusi’s gesture, including Mr. Olalere ýOlanrewaju, Mr. Adedapo Olayode, Mr. Adebisi Adegilye and Mr. Titus Elewude said the socio-economic activities in Ife, no doubt, would improve when the transformers are activated.

     

  • Ambode gives 49 transformers to rural communities

    Ambode gives 49 transformers to rural communities

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has given over 49 new transformers to rural communities in Lagos State as part of his administration’s policy to light up those places.

    The transformers, he said, would reduce the challenge of unsteady power supply which is crippling businesses and making life unbearable for inhabitants of those areas.

    “In my inaugural speech, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will implement programmes that will make life more meaningful, easier, and happier for our people, Today, we are handing over these transformers as a demonstration of that pledge,” he said.

    The governor, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Jafar Sanuth at the ceremony, said his administration would begin the connection of the transformers to the national grid in two weeks under the first phase, adding that the second phase would involve the procurement and installation of over 50 transformers to be distributed to rural communities in Epe, Badagry, Ibeju Lekki and Ikorodu.

    The transformers connection to the national grid would improve power supply, create an enabling environment for job creation and reduce migration from the rural to urban areas – Ambode said, adding: “This will also create employment for our unemployed youths in these areas as small scale businesses can now function properly with the installation of the transformers. With the provision of the transformers to these communities, it will improve the economy of the communities, especially those (residents) who are in one way or the other depending on power supply as the only means of their livelihood.”

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Affairs Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri said the transformers would improve the standard of living in rural communities.

    Quadri, immediate past chair of the Community Development Committee, promised that the transformers would be used judiciously and protected from vandals.

  • Communities get 51 transformers

    Communities get 51 transformers

    The Lagos State Government has handed over 51 transformers to rural, riverine and semi-urban communities across the state to boost electricity generation and distribution.

    Handing over the transformers at the Elsewedy Electric Nig. Ltd premises in Badagry, Lagos, Commissioner for Rural Development Cornelius Ojelabi hailed members of the House of Assembly for getting Governor Babatunde Fashola to accede to the communities request.

    He said the government came to their aid because the Eko Distribution Company (EKDC) and Ikeja Distribution Company (IKDC) could not meet their needs.

    The state, he said, has been providing transformers for the electrification of rural communities, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure over the years, despite that being the Federal Government’s responsibility.

    Ojelabi said: “When the Federal Government privatised power generation and distribution over three years ago, the state government felt it cannot be providing infrastructure for private company’s business. More so, when the over N10 billion used in providing infrastructure over the years to aid power generation and distribution was not refunded by the Federal Government after the privatisation of the power sector.

    “When the private companies cannot solve the problem as expected, the governor being a responsible and responsive governor cannot but yield to the yearnings of the people in the procurement and installation of the transformers.”

    He urged the chiefs, leaders of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and youths to take charge of the transformers when installed.

    “Government will continue to cater for your needs till the last day of this administration as promised by the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,” he said, adding that government had carried out several developmental projects in Badagry.

    Ojelabi said: “A government that is promoting a safe community and providing an enabling and conducive environment for business to thrive is worth supporting.”

    Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources Lanre Ogunyemi thanked the state for supporting private electricity power generation and distribution firms.

  • Senator distributes transformers to communities

    Senator distributes transformers to communities

    The Senator representing Osun-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Mr Babajide Omoworare has distributed another set of new electricity transformers to the communities in his senatorial district.

    The eight transformers given to the communities brought to 50 the number of such facilities the senator has distributed across the senatorial district in the second quarters of the year.

    Omoworare said the distribution of the transformers was at the behest of some communities who needed them for better electricity supply.

    The event which was well attended by the community was not devoid of warning to those who are pessimistic about the performance of the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    Omoworare said that those who hold negative view against Governor Aregbesola’s second term would be disappointed.

    According to him,  those who have the impression that Aregbesola will not perform in his second term would be proved wrong, as the governor will not only perform but will deliver beyond the expectation of majority of the state.

    ”The proponent of a term are always of the opinion that governors will not perform in the second term. Anybody that holds that view against Governor Rauf Aregbesola will be disappointed. The governor performed in his first term and he will perform better in the second term.

    “I make bold to say that Aregbesola would perform wonderfully more than what he did in his first term. Aregbesola will disappoint those who think that his second term will suffer development. I have not seen any governor that before his election, work was still going on up till the eve of the election.

    “Works were going on everywhere in state. Aregbesola is not a hypocrite; he really meant well for the state and that shows he is a serious governor that knows what it takes to build a state.

    “The governor just laid foundation in his first term. The second term is a singular opportunity to ensure that sincere and genuine work that will transform Osun in the area of infrastructure and provision social amenities is been done.”

    Omoworare stated that he has been complimenting Aregbesola’s efforts at putting smiles on the faces of the people, by providing for the needs of the people, cities, towns and villages that fell under the district he is representing at the National Assembly.

    The senator disclosed that he has sunk boreholes in all the 10 local governments that constitute the senatorial district, adding that he has secured gainful employment for over 100 people, aside his empowerment programmes.

  • Jubilation as Imo communities get transformers

    Jubilation as Imo communities get transformers

    For several decades, lack of electricity had been a recurrent dilemma in most rural communities of Imo State. The situation resulted in mass rural-urban migration with its negative consequence on agricultural production. Many of these communities have been craving for the provision of such vital social amenity. Any wonder members of the backward communities literally worship any individual or administration that provides any of the needed amenities for them?

    For instance, those indigenous to 11 communities in Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte, Ngor-Okpala and Owerri Municipal local government Areas of the state were excited when transformers were donated to them. For them, it indicates that years of darkness in the respective communities will soon be over.

    The people will forever be grateful to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who distributed 5000KVA transformers to each of the communities.

    A member of one of the benefitting communities, Mr. Austine Anyanwu, described the gesture as unprecedented in the history of the state, even as he added that the communities had waited in vain for the state government to rescue them from darkness.

    He noted that some of the communities have not had electricity since their existence, while others that were connected to the National Grid had been without light for over three decades as a result of damaged transformers or power lines.

    According to him, the Deputy Speaker’s generosity will go a long way in boosting economic activities in the villages and reduce the rate of rural-urban migration.

    Presenting the transformers to the leaders of the benefiting communities, Ihedioha said the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was an excellent measure by the Federal Government to ensure regular and uninterrupted power supply in all  the nook and cranny of the country.

    He further noted that the Federal Government decided to privatise the PHCN for efficiency and productivity. He said the action has resulted in improved electricity supply.

    The lawmaker  plealed that “there should be continuity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government to enable President Goodluck Jonathan  consummate his transformation agenda for the people.”

    Hon. Ihedioha urged members of the communities to adopt maintenance culture and to guard against vandalisation of the facilities, even as he advised them to ensure regular payment of their bills to avoid disconnection by the officials of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

    He also advised them to seek professional advice in installing the transformers for maximum use, assuring that he will extend the gesture to other communities that are still in darkness across the state.

    Apart from the distribution of the 11 transformers, the Deputy Speaker had also attracted the construction of a mega 132x33MVA Power Station located at Ibeku in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, which has reached about 80 per cent completion stage.

    He also facilitated the construction of  five 15x11MVA injection stations at Umuneke, Ngor-Okpala, Ahiara Junction, Ezinihitte, Owerri Municipal, among other locations.

    When fully operational, Ihedioha said the injection stations will drastically reduce pressure on the only sub-station serving the entire Imo State, adding that the state can only be industrialised through steady power supply.

    He further said with improved power supply, artisans and operators of other vocations that rely on electricity will soon become employers of labour.

    The Vice-Chairman of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Mr. Kester Enwereonu, who was present at the presentation ceremony, restated the determination of the Federal Government to ensure regular supply of electricity in all parts of the country.

    He promised to take necessary steps to install the transformers at no financial cost on the communities. He urged the citizens to safeguard the facilities.

    Replying, a former Chairman of the Orlu Local Government Area, Mrs. Andeline Asika, praised Hon. Ihedioha for his generosity. She advised the communities to reciprocate the gesture by supporting his governorship ambition in 2015.

  • Kogi to distribute 160 transformers

    Kogi to distribute 160 transformers

    One hundred and sixty transformers worth about N402 million are to be distributed to 300 communities by the Kogi State government.

    Governor Idris Wada, launching the transformers under the state’s accelerated rural electrification scheme, said it was in fulfilment of his promise to make electricity accessible to the rural populace.

    He frowned at estimated billing on electricity consumers and promised to correct the anomaly.

    Wada reiterated his commitment to improve the living standard of the people and boost socio-economic activities through the provision of basic infrastructure.

    He urged the people to assist government in preventing vandalism of  transformers by miscreants.

    The Commissioner for Rural Development, Mallam Umoru Muhammed, lauded government’s effort to link over 300 communities to the national grid.

    He said the gesture would enhance industrial and socio-economic development, assuring that his ministry would not relent in the actualisation of its responsibilities.