In response to the persistent failures of the national electricity grid, several state governments in the Southeast region of Nigeria are seeking alternative sources of electricity supply. The national grid has collapsed at least seven times between January and October 2024, raising serious concerns among electricity consumers and the broader public.
Impact of Grid Failures
According to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), consumers have expressed frustration over the frequent grid collapses and erratic power supply, despite paying higher tariffs for electricity services. Residents and businesses in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, who have been moved to Band-A tariff categories without their consent, are particularly vocal about the lack of value they are receiving.
Mr. Chimezie Nwafor, a small-scale industrialist based in Enugu, shared his struggles to operate his factory at full capacity due to inadequate power supply. He lamented:
“It is now a regret that the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and the Federal Government regulatory body failed to live up to what they assured.”
Nwafor called on both the federal and state governments to take significant action toward ensuring a stable electricity supply, stating:
“It is doable, and other countries within Africa have attained this height. Every industrialist wants value for money, and we cannot get that if we pay so high a tariff and get disappointed.”
Concerns from Residents
Mr. Chuks Ani, a resident of the Uwani area, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that government policies often fail due to poor implementation. He argued that the priority for 24-hour uninterrupted power should be given to industrial and commercial areas rather than residential ones, as discussed in numerous stakeholder meetings.
The ongoing challenges with the national grid have pushed Southeast state governments to seek alternative energy solutions as consumers and businesses alike demand more reliable and affordable electricity. The situation underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and improvements in the power sector to meet the energy needs of the populace.