Yola Disco loses N9bn annually on Jimeta network — Chairman

The Yola Electricity Distribution Company says it loses about ₦9bn annually in energy and revenue losses on its Jimeta network, with the losses affecting its ability to procure equipment, rehabilitate infrastructure and pay staff salaries.

The Chairman of YEDC’s Board of Directors, Omatseyin Ayida, disclosed this on Friday during the inauguration of the Rhossili International pole plant factory along the Yola-Numan Road.

“The Jimeta network alone takes nine megawatts from our total allocation, yet we lose 62 per cent of energy and revenue on this feeder. That is ₦740m monthly, about ₦9bn annually lost in the sector, funds that are meant for equipment procurement, rehabilitation and staff salary payments,” he said.

Ayida lamented the state of electricity supply in the country, saying, “There is no country in the world that can power its future this way.”

He said the establishment of the pole factory and the Jimeta Network Rehabilitation Project were the company’s response to major challenges facing the electricity sector.

According to him, YEDC inherited an electricity distribution network that had deteriorated over four decades.

“YEDC inherited a network that had consistently deteriorated for over 40 years, one pole after another, one cable and cross arm after the other,” he said.

Ayida said the company decided to establish the factory rather than import materials to address the infrastructure deficit.

“To fix this problem, we chose not to import a solution, but build one. This facility we are commissioning today will produce over 10,000 concrete poles required for this project alone, which translates to 397 high-tension and 9,939 low-tension poles,” he said.

He added that the rehabilitation of the Jimeta feeder would require 51 distribution transformers and more than 480 kilometres of cables to serve 3,716 customers.

Ayida said the investment was aimed at improving electricity supply, creating jobs for residents of Adamawa State and boosting revenue to enable the company to reinvest in its operations.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, commended YEDC for establishing the factory in the state.

She assured the company that the state government would continue to provide a conducive business environment for investors.