KEY POINTS
- Decentralized power markets and localized grid systems are what is being termed for by a Forum of Power Commissioners.
- States call for partnership with the Federal Government towards stabilizing Nigeria’s power grid.
- To protect critical infrastructure, it is deploying alternative power sources, mini-grids and solar energy.
Responding to recurring breakdowns of Nigeria’s national electricity grid, the Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy has said it will explore alternative and decentralised power solutions.
The forum, comprising commissioners from many states, said it was gravely concerned about the economic and also social disruption arising from repeated grid failures.
Forum Chairman, Prince Eka Williams, speaking to journalists in Abuja, stressed the need for pragmatic, state-driven initiatives to avert the unfortunate consequence of the persistent grid collapses that have permitted no let up to the gasped-for need for uninterrupted power supply in the country.
Grid collapses have ‘far reaching economic and social consequences,’ Williams added, particularly since the recurrence of grid collapses disrupt lives and businesses. “We, as Commissioners of Power and Energy from across Nigeria have come together to tackle this challenge, with pragmatic and state driven solutions.”
Methods to ward off grid failures
This comes on the heels of a recent meeting where the Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy laid out key strategies for Nigeria’s power crisis fight. These are decentralization, modernization, and alternative power generation.
State Electricity Markets
States are speeding the establishment of state controlled electricity markets to move electricity generation, transmission and distribution away from dependence on the national grid.
If each state can set up its own localized power structure, then that allows for the development of unique power solutions based on the needs of the state during such a wide grid collapse.
Localized Grid Systems
It advocated localised development of mini –grids that will continue to work alongside the national grid.
Localized grids are intended to slow the cascading effects of national grid failures, keeping power running through any area deemed critical.
The hope of states is that this system will bring added energy security, particularly for emergency sectors such as hospitals, water facility, and schools.
Federal States collaborations
The forum also appealed for improved relationship between federal and state governments to stabilise Nigeria’s National Grid.
Commissioners asked the Federal Government to finance joint investments in predictive maintenance, real time monitoring, and modern grid technologies to prevent collapses from occurring so frequently.
The hope is that federal support will strengthen capacity building initiatives and make public and private sector investments in grid infrastructure spirit compatible, the commissioners believe.
Drive for business
Alternative Power Solutions can provide you with various energy solutions to drive your business or enterprise in the most efficient way.
Moreover with the need for the quick creation of energy solutions to meet short term electricity needs, States have started deploying alternative energy sources like solar power and off-grid electricity to critical infrastructure.
– These all register to ensure the adverse impacts of grid failures don’t affect hospitals, schools, and essential public services.
– While he called for focus on clean energy solutions, the forum also outlined the role of agreements between private firms and international stakeholders in working towards renewable energy.
Call out for stakeholder support
The stakeholders at this event, such as Federal Government, private investors and international development partners were implored to synergize with the Forum of Power Commissioners to strengthen the power sector. Innovation, accountability and collaboration are essential for creating a sustainable energy system for Nigeria, they stressed.
Furthermore, in his address, Chairman Prince Eka Williams underscored the importance of institutional decentralization, explaining: “It is time to leave the centralized electricity paradigm where states are left at the mercy of a government in Abuja, and embrace a decentralized electricity framework where states have the means and resources to manage their power needs self sufficiently.” We may overcome the current challenges together and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria.”
The road ahead
The commissioners also reiterated their willingness to work with stakeholders to end long electricity outages. Ultimately, we have the goal to improve on Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, to improve on economic growth and to make sure we have uninterrupted power supply to homes, businesses, and even other essential services.
The success of such initiatives will be based on intergovernmental collaboration, on private sector investment also on the adoption of new technologies to build a long lasting power sector.
