Energy Minister Pledges End to Power Cuts Amidst Government Takeover Talks

Cameroon’s Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, has offered a resolute commitment to eliminating load shedding in the country after March, assuring a consistent and stable power supply. This announcement came during a meeting with the Cameroon Employers Union, GECAM, on Thursday, February 22, in Douala, where the minister addressed concerns over the recent disruptions in electricity supply affecting businesses in Douala and Yaounde.

The consultative meeting focused on transparency, was prompted by ongoing electricity supply issues attributed to a loss of 150 megawatts at the Memve’éle hydroelectric power plant due to a drop in water levels. The plant, generating 211 megawatts annually, is expected to resolve the situation by 2025. Despite Cameroon’s vast hydropower potential of approximately 115,000 GWh/year, only 4% has been developed, with reliance on three main power plants—Edea, Songloulou, and Lagdo—while others are still under construction.

Minister Eloundou Essomba’s commitment to both quantity and quality of electricity supply coincides with the expected release of the first 60 megawatts from the recently completed Nachtigal Dam on February 24, 2024.

This assurance comes at a time when the government is planning to reclaim ownership of its electricity sector, which was privatised in 2001 under the IMF structural adjustment programme. Actis, the British investment fund holding a 51% stake in ENEO, has expressed readiness to sell its shares to the Cameroon government. The government, currently owning 44% stakes in ENEO, aims to regain full ownership of the electricity utility company by the end of 2024.

However, as the takeover looms, it’s worth noting that the government and state agencies still owe ENEO 266 billion FCFA in unpaid bills. Questions arise about the impact of the government’s major shareholder status on ENEO’s operations.

During the energy minister’s address to GECAM, a temporary blackout occurred. ENEO attributed it to a technical fault resulting in staff cutting off the power. Despite the Minister’s assurances, some residents in Douala reported remaining in darkness. The adverse effects of the current load shedding are particularly prominent in the South Interconnected Network.

Mimi Mefo Info