Latest news with #electricity
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Syria's electricity recovery project receives $146m grant
The World Bank's board of executive directors has sanctioned a grant to strengthen Syria's power sector. A $146m grant from the International Development Association (IDA) aims to revitalise reliable, affordable electricity in war-torn regions, aiding in Syria's broader economic resurgence. The country faces an acute energy crisis due to the extensive damage and neglect suffered by its transmission and distribution infrastructure since 2020. Syria's protracted conflict has left its national grid severely impaired, with most areas receiving only two to four hours of electricity daily. This scarcity hampers vital services such as water supply, healthcare, agri-food production and housing development. The newly announced Syria Electricity Emergency Project (SEEP) will focus on reconstructing high-voltage lines and transformer substations that have been ravaged by conflict. Key 400kV interconnector lines linking Jordan and Türkiye are set for repair under SEEP, restoring critical regional connections while also addressing local needs near demand centres heavily populated by refugees returning home or displaced internally. World Bank middle east division director Jean-Christophe Carret stated: "Among Syria's urgent reconstruction needs, rehabilitating the electricity sector has emerged as a critical, no-regret investment that can improve the living conditions of the Syrian people, support the return of refugees and the internally displaced, enable resumption of other services such as water services and healthcare for the population and help kickstart economic recovery. "This project represents the first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development." Beyond physical repairs, SEEP extends technical assistance for strategic planning within Syria's electric sector. It encompasses policy reform guidance alongside regulatory advice aimed at ensuring medium- to long-term sustainability. Capacity-building measures are also planned for institutional stakeholders responsible for implementing these strategies. Overseeing this endeavour is the Public Establishment for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity (PETDE), which will coordinate rehabilitation efforts across various facets of electrical infrastructure. An international consultancy will be engaged by PETDE to provide multifaceted expertise from engineering services to environmental oversight, and ensure compliance with World Bank standards. To further ensure transparency and adherence to high operational benchmarks, a third-party monitoring agent will be appointed by the bank. This entity will enhance fiduciary surveillance along with environmental and social checks while offering expanded implementation support designed to fortify overall project management capabilities within PETDE. "Syria's electricity recovery project receives $146m grant" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Wall Street Journal
14 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Let the TVA Power America's Nuclear Future
Nashville, Tenn. The U.S. needs more energy and needs it fast. Electricity demand is projected to surge fivefold in five years, with data centers driving half that growth. As Washington smothered the energy sector in red tape, China raced ahead in the global competition for artificial-intelligence supremacy and energy infrastructure. That's why President Trump's executive orders to overhaul nuclear regulation and expand deployment mark a turning point for America's energy future. And Mr. Trump has a secret weapon to win the AI race: the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Electricity distribution, challenges and efforts of IBEDC to change the narrative
Soji Ajibola examines challenges facing electricity distribution, consumers' perspectives, and efforts of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to change the narrative. Electricity distribution has been one of the major challenges facing the various companies saddled with the responsibility nationwide. The challenges can be aptly described as 'It was in the beginning, so it is now.' While consumers are groaning over persistent darkness as being experienced nationwide, it was noted that nothing has changed except the names of the organization. Different administrations in the country have approached the challenges facing the power sector from different angles. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the sector, especially in the area of power generation and distribution, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan privatised the sector, which gave birth to the distribution companies, including Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) nationwide. IBEDC was formed in November 2013 during the unbundling and privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). IBEDC inherited decades of systemic inefficiencies: dilapidated infrastructure, a poorly metered customer base, erratic load allocation, tariff deficits, billing inefficiencies, meter bypassing, staff-customer collusion, and weak revenue collection. Also, the company is being confronted with the vandalism of its equipment, which includes transformers and cables, while fraudsters, on the other hand, are not helping matters. These challenges were further compounded by broader macroeconomic pressures—policy volatility, inflation, and shifting regulatory frameworks. However, in its efforts to change the narrative, the management has since July 2022 embarked on critical reforms that have been instrumental in recent successes, which include its being regarded, within the industry, as Nigeria's most improved distribution company, underscoring its successful turnaround and commitment to excellence. The feat recorded, according to its Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Francis Agoha, is being attributed to the various policies put in place aimed at ensuring optimal performance. He said the management has not only sustained past gains but significantly recalibrated internal systems to deliver sustainable results. As a testament to the ongoing revival championed by the current leadership, IBEDC has successfully transitioned from a loss-making entity to a profitable enterprise. In its 2021 audited financial statement, the company reported a Loss After Tax of N62.89 billion, with total assets exceeding N557 billion. In 2022, the Loss After Tax reduced significantly to N17.90 billion. The 2023 audited financial report, conducted again by reputable audit firm Ernst & Young (EY), showed positive indications. The report translated to improvement from loss-making to profit after tax, which stands at over N8.9 billion, while total assets grew to over N685 billion. The fiscal prudence has significantly enhanced IBEDC's credibility with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc, Market Operator, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and power generation companies (GenCos), while also restoring investor and regulatory confidence. It was also disclosed that IBEDC's monthly revenue collection more than doubled—from an average of N10 billion to consistently above N20 billion since December 2024. In February 2025, the company hit an all-time high monthly collection of N22.028 billion, following a N21.985 billion collection milestone in October 2024. Furthermore, IBEDC recorded its best Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) collection of N7.634 billion in January 2025. For effective and optimal performance, the company has introduced targeted interventions that are already delivering measurable results. This initiative underscores the customer-centric approach, including the launch of the Customer Care WhatsApp platform, personally championed by the Managing Director. This commitment to service excellence is further reflected in the recent string of awards the company has won for outstanding customer service. IBEDC has significantly improved customer experience and digital accessibility for easier, faster, and more convenient payment solutions. In July 2023, the company introduced the i-Recharge platform in collaboration with i-Recharge Tech-Innovations. This multi-channel payment solution allows customers to recharge via USSD codes, ATMs, POS terminals, and mobile money agents, providing broad access even in low-connectivity areas. Also in 2024, IBEDC introduced IBEDCPay, an innovative home-grown payment app offering a wide range of benefits to customers, including speed, biometric security, and transaction history. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE: NSCDC, Immigration, others: FG postpones recruitment, changes portal IBEDC has also ramped up customer communication through dedicated weekly radio and television programs across its service areas. These programmes offer interactive platforms for customers to raise concerns, ask questions, and stay informed about ongoing improvements. The Managing Director added that the company's grassroots engagement strategy has further strengthened its relationship with customers. In the first half of 2024, IBEDC recorded approximately 3,000 monthly interactions across 18,000 communities. These touchpoints—facilitated by Distribution Transformer Managers, Executives, and Communication Officers—are vital to resolving issues in real-time and fostering trust. The customer-centric approach, according to the Managing Director, is aligned with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's (NERC) recent directive requiring DisCos to resolve at least 75% of customer complaints from Q1 2025 onward—a benchmark IBEDC is well-positioned to exceed, closing the metering gap. With a customer base exceeding two million, only 43% were metered as at 2024. The company is now aggressively addressing this gap, targeting a metering coverage rate of over 60% by the end of 2025. He stated that the ambitious goal is being pursued through multiple initiatives. Over 104,000 meters were deployed under Phase 0 of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), while the revitalized Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme now offers improved meter availability and a more user-friendly online application process. In 2024 alone, over 69,000 meters were installed, and IBEDC was recognised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as number one among all DisCos in Q2 2024 for meter installations. In January 2025, IBEDC launched the Presidential Metering Initiative scheme: Metering Acquisition Fund (MAF) to expedite deployment of meters in high-impact areas and along critical feeders, with an annual target of over 240,000 meters. Energy theft, the Managing Director said, remains one of the most critical threats to sustainable electricity distribution in Nigeria. Between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 incidents of energy theft, including meter bypasses, illegal reconnections, and direct tampering. According to him: 'IBEDC has repositioned its Revenue Protection Team and intensified crackdown of offenders through a partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO). Offenders are now being prosecuted under the full weight of the law, signaling a strong deterrent against future infractions.' Alongside enforcement, IBEDC is running extensive community awareness campaigns to educate customers on the financial and legal consequences of energy theft. Simultaneously, it is investing in smart metering solutions and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), enabling real-time monitoring, leak detection, and remote disconnection—critical tools for loss prevention and improved efficiency. With these combined measures, IBEDC aims to reduce its Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) loss rate from an average of 32.73% in 2024 to below 25% by the end of 2025. In fact, the company recorded its lowest-ever ATC&C loss rate of 24.30% in October 2024. IBEDC ranked 3rd best in ATC&C performance in Q4 2024, a testament to the impact of these measures. He added that IBEDC is also upgrading customer supply bands, and in Q1 2025, the number of Band B, C, D, and E customers migrated to Band A feeders surged from 30 in April 2024 to 126 by May 2025, increasing the share of customers receiving 20–24 hours of daily electricity. As part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and address the growing demand for transformers across its franchise, IBEDC established a transformer repair workshop in 2023. Leveraging local expertise, the workshop delivers high-quality repair services. Since its launch, over 127 transformers have been successfully repaired, bringing relief to approximately 400 communities. This innovative initiative has significantly mitigated the high costs associated with transformer replacement, which have soared due to foreign exchange challenges. Investing in People and Performance IBEDC said it understands that a motivated, capable workforce is critical to sustained success. To support its team, the company recently implemented a 25% salary increase to help offset inflationary pressures and uplift staff morale. The revised Condition of Service of the company was signed and implemented in 2023. The conclusion of its 2023 performance appraisal exercise saw the recognition and rewarding of 1,327 employees with promotions, salary increments, and performance bonuses. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Trump plans executive orders to power AI growth in race with China
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is readying a package of executive actions aimed at boosting energy supply to power the U.S. expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), according to four sources familiar with the planning. Top economic rivals U.S. and China are locked in a technological arms race and with it secure an economic and military edge. The huge amount of data processing behind AI requires a rapid increase in power supplies that are straining utilities and grids in many states. The moves under consideration include making it easier for power-generating projects to connect to the grid and providing federal land on which to build the data centers needed to expand AI technology, according to the sources. The administration will also release an AI action plan and schedule public events to draw public attention to the efforts, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Training large-scale AI models requires a huge amount of electricity, and the industry's growth is driving the first big increase in U.S. power demand in decades. Between 2024 and 2029, U.S. electricity demand is projected to grow at five times the rate predicted in 2022, according to power-sector consultancy Grid Strategies. Meanwhile, power demand from AI data centers could grow more than thirtyfold by 2035, according to a new report by consultancy Deloitte. Building and connecting new power generation to the grid, however, has been a major hurdle because such projects require extensive impact studies that can take years to complete, and existing transmission infrastructure is overwhelmed. Among the ideas under consideration by the administration is to identify more fully developed power projects and move them higher on the waiting list for connection, two of the sources said. Siting data centers has also been challenging because larger facilities require a lot of space and resources and can face zoning obstacles or public opposition. The executive orders could provide a solution to that by offering land managed by the Defense Department or Interior Department to project developers, the sources said. The administration is also considering streamlining permitting for data centers by creating a nationwide Clean Water Act permit, rather than requiring companies to seek permits on a state-by-state basis, according to one of the sources. In January, Trump hosted top tech CEOs at the White House to highlight the Stargate Project, a multi-billion effort led by ChatGPT's creator OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle to build data centers and create more than 100,000 jobs in the U.S. Trump has prioritized winning the AI race against China and declared on his first day in office a national energy emergency aimed at removing all regulatory obstacles to oil and gas drilling, coal and critical mineral mining, and building new gas and nuclear power plants to bring more energy capacity online. He also ordered his administration in January to produce an AI Action Plan that would make 'America the world capital in artificial intelligence' and reduce regulatory barriers to its rapid expansion. That report, which includes input from the National Security Council, is due by July 23. The White House is considering making July 23 'AI Action Day' to draw attention to the report and demonstrate its commitment to expanding the industry, two of the sources said. Trump is scheduled to speak at an AI and energy event in Pennsylvania on July 15 hosted by Senator Dave McCormick. Amazon earlier this month announced it would invest $20 billion in data centers in two Pennsylvania counties. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici and Jarrett Renshaw; editing by Richard Valdmanis and Marguerita Choy)
Japan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Household electricity bills in Japan set to fall in July due to subsidies
The nation's 10 major electricity suppliers said Friday that power bills for standard households will fall by between ¥520 and ¥691 in July from the previous month. Behind the drop is a resumption of government subsidies to cut electricity costs from July to September, when the use of air conditioners spikes. Falls in prices of liquefied natural gas will also contribute to the decline in electricity bills. The subsidies will be ¥2 per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed in July and September and ¥2.4 per kilowatt-hour in August. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Kansai Electric Power define a standard household as one consuming 260 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. Given that, the subsidies alone are projected to push down the bills for such households for July by ¥520. For Tepco, the July bill for a standard household will decrease by ¥616 to ¥8,236, while Kansai Electric expects a drop of ¥520 to ¥7,271. Subsidies are also set to be reflected in city gas bills, by ¥8 per cubic meter in July and September and ¥10 per cubic meter in August. The subsidies will push down the gas bills of four major suppliers, including Tokyo Gas, by between ¥241 and ¥318 for July. Subsidies for electricity and gas bills began in January 2023 as a temporary measure in response to soaring fuel costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The program was halted and restarted several times. The last time it was implemented was from January to March this year. The government plans to spend ¥288.1 billion from its fiscal 2025 budget reserves for the electricity and gas subsidies.
