The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has said electricity was disconnected from the University College Hospital in Ibadan due to a huge outstanding electricity bill owed to the power company.
The teaching hospital has faced electricity challenges for two weeks, putting the patients in critical health conditions.
IBEDC in an update on the ongoing power supply challenge at the teaching hospital sympathised with the situation but noted that it was compelled to disconnect the hospital because of the huge debt and the compelling pressure to meet its financial obligation to the market.
UCH Ibadan is one of the government institutions with huge debts, but power distribution companies are having problems collecting debts
“However, IBEDC reiterated its commitment to working with UCH and remains open to discussions on a flexible payment arrangement that both parties could mutually agree upon”, the management stated in a statement.
It explained that “the company is expected to meet 100 per cent of its market obligations, and the outstanding debt from major customers like UCH directly contributes to the liquidity crisis within Nigeria’s power sector”.
IBEDC continues to advocate for timely payments from all customers, stressing that a stable and reliable power supply depends on the sector’s financial health. The company called on UCH and all other customers to settle their arrears to help resolve the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity distribution system.
The hospital management accused IBEDC of forcing the hospital into Band A, stating that despite paying N60 million in the past month, the power company disconnected the health facility two weeks ago
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo said despite efforts to meet its obligations, the power company has remained adamant in charging the highest rates and is unfazed by the humanitarian services rendered by the nation’s premier tertiary hospital.
It would be recalled that IBEDC had several times disconnected the hospital this year citing unpaid accumulated debts.
‘’We have been making efforts to pay. IBEDC forced us into Band A. Our latest bill for one month is N99 million. We paid N60 million, but they refused to reconnect us’’, said the CMD.
An analysis of the payment schedule offered by the UCH indicates that the power company sent a bill of N723,095,841.55 from January 1, 2019, to November 10, 2024, while the hospital has paid N676, 990,174.04.
“The distribution company has, against all entreaties, categorised this hospital a business concern”, the CMD lamented.
