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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has alerted consumers within its franchise area of an imminent blackout from next month over backlogs of unpaid bills.
A statement signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engr. Kingsley Achife, which was made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday, said the power distribution company was planning to disconnect its feeders from the national grid due to poor remittances.
Those that will be affected by the development are consumers in Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Ibadan, Oyo and parts of Kogi, Ekiti and Niger States.
According to Achife, the move might result in power outages to customers within the IBEDC franchise areas.
“As a revenue collection arm of the electricity value chain, IBEDC sells and distributes electricity generated by the generation companies.
“However, the company is unable to meet its financial obligations to the electricity value chain due to poor payment and huge outstanding bills by customers.
“We urge our customers to note that failure to pay current and outstanding electricity bills may result in disruption of power to homes, communities, and businesses connected to our network,” Achife said.