The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced plans to establish a $100 million “Safe Grid” aimed at mitigating severe disruptions caused by receiving less than half of its power allocation from the national grid.
Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday. He noted that the shortfall has significantly impacted the company’s ability to provide a stable electricity supply, affecting customers, institutions, and businesses while straining KEDCO’s financial performance.
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“Our franchise area continues to suffer due to grid allocation challenges, and we are receiving less than half of what is needed,” KEDCO said.
In response, the company has embarked on constructing a 100MW “Safe Grid” to deliver a reliable 24-hour power supply across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. This project will prioritize critical industries, commercial zones, and essential government infrastructure to ensure continuous power delivery.
The first phase involves a 20MW power plant in Tamburawa, which is currently being developed in partnership with Utilita as part of a $20 million emergency project. KEDCO expects this plant to be operational by the end of the year.
“The ‘Safe Grid’ will be powered by embedded electricity generation in KEDCO’s network to ensure energy security,” Sani added.
To bolster capacity, KEDCO plans to integrate an additional 10MW from the Haske Solar Power Plant and 16MW from Tiga and Challawa hydroelectric projects. The company is also negotiating with the Federal Ministry of Power to incorporate the 10MW Katsina Wind Farm into its network.
With backing from state governments, KEDCO aims to reduce dependence on the national grid through its Safe Grid initiative, promising a steady power supply that will safeguard industries and secure jobs.
“Due to the lingering effects of the challenges the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is currently facing in supplying energy to our franchise area, KEDCO is still receiving less than half of its allocation from the grid, which has caused great disruptions for our valued customers, institutions, and businesses while challenging our company’s financial performance,” the statement explained.
It added that the ‘Safe Grid’ will ensure energy security within KEDCO’s network, minimizing risks like unreliability and total blackouts, thereby fostering industrial growth and socio-economic activities in the region.
