Blackouts: Kaduna Disco told to connect two communities

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has resolved the crises between Kaduna Electric and two communities in Kaduna as it directed the connection of Badarawa, and installation of 800KVA transformers in Janruwa community.
The commission said it intervened after some youth from the two communities in Kaduna North and South protested over unfair dealings. Badarawa community protested the purchase of a N2million transformer and had awaited connection to the Distribution company (Disco) network.
Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, directed an investigation by the commission after a youth member wrote a letter to him on the alleged transaction.
The investigation team dispatched by NERC’s Acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah found that Badarawa donated the transformer to ensure they are connected after a six month blackout. NERC said the action violated its rules as the Disco is responsible for installing facilities.
It ruled that the community should be connected and that the asset now belonging to the Disco will not reflect in their tariff as it is rendered a donation instead of an investment.
Janruwa community also protested over one year blackout. Kaduna Disco told the team that the large community requires a 500KVA transformer for a start, which was not available and had to remove an inadequate 300KVA transformer it earlier installed which resulted in the protests. The Disco committed to installing the 500KVA transformer before Friday and will also add the 300KVA facility.
NERC in a statement by the media head, Michael Faloseyi told the disputing parties to avail themselves of the commission’s redress mechanism and directed disputes to Forum Offices established in State capitals.