The Katsina State Government has stepped up efforts to provide sustainable and independent electricity supply across the state, with plans to significantly reduce reliance on the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media briefing in Katsina at the weekend.
He said the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda is expanding its independent power programme to meet the energy needs of local government areas and communities across the state, with a target of reducing electricity costs paid by residents to KEDCO before the end of next year.
According to him, a comprehensive energy assessment conducted by the state government revealed severe power shortages affecting millions of residents.
“Findings from the study showed that Katsina is facing a serious energy deficit, and we are working diligently to move the state out of this challenge,” Dr. Hafiz said.
He explained that the state’s energy strategy is focused largely on renewable sources, particularly solar power. As part of this effort, the government is collaborating with major electrical equipment manufacturers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to procure 200 electricity distribution units to enhance power supply across the state.
Dr. Hafiz further revealed that over the past two years, the state has recorded a 93 per cent reduction in electricity costs in major government facilities following the installation of a 20.1-megawatt solar power system across 11 public institutions.
To strengthen energy security, he said all 361 political wards in the state would soon benefit from improved electricity supply. Katsina, he noted, requires about 70 megawatts to achieve stable power statewide, adding that nearly 30 megawatts have already been installed.
“We have installed close to 30 megawatts out of the 70 megawatts required for adequate electricity supply across the state, and we expect to complete the remaining capacity by next year,” he said.
However, the state government has yet to announce a specific timeline for full disengagement from KEDCO, nor has it provided detailed information on the regulatory framework required to implement a fully independent power system.
The statement was issued by the Media Assistant to the Governor, Department of Power and Energy.
