South East State Governments Seek Alternative Electricity Supply Amid National Grid Collapse
The frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid has prompted state governments in the South East to explore alternative sources of electricity supply. The national grid has failed no fewer than seven times between January and October 2024, causing widespread disruptions and frustration among electricity consumers.
In Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, customers have been complaining about the poor power supply, despite paying higher tariffs. Many have been "systematically" moved to Band-A without their consent, which has led to calls for a reverse to the former band as they claim not to be getting value for their money.
Industrialists like Chimezie Nwafor, a small-scale factory owner in Enugu, have expressed disappointment with the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and the Federal Government’s regulatory body for failing to provide constant power supply. "The Federal and state governments should put efforts to make constant electricity power supply possible. It is doable, and other countries, even within African countries, have attained this height," he said.
Residents like Chuks Ani, who lives in Uwani, Enugu, have criticized the government for implementing policies in the wrong way. "Government always implements noble policies in the wrong way. A 24-hour uninterrupted power supply should be provided for industrial and commercial concerns or areas, not residential areas," he said.
In response to the challenges, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Acting Managing Director of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), said the company has deployed advanced ICT systems to monitor its network and detect electrical faults. He also mentioned that the company has strengthened its lines and cleared obstructions, leading to stable and better supply.
The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has issued a license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, and Chairman Chijioke Okonkwo expressed optimism that the state would become a hub for electricity generation and distribution. He stated that the issues of grid failure and epileptic supply would be a thing of the past once a commercially viable, sustainable, and reliable electricity market is developed.
In Anambra, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources Julius Chukwuemeka said the state government is putting measures in place to reduce its dependence on power from the national grid. He described the national grid source as "no longer sustainable" given its persistent failures and emphasized the need for legislative frameworks to set up the Anambra Power Market and Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Residents in Anambra have expressed frustration over the incessant collapse of the national grid, with some calling for a review of the entire energy sector. Jude Anyene, an artisan, said the loss of power is putting additional costs on their businesses, while Caleb Agbo, an electricity stakeholder in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, stressed the need for constant discourse among electricity stakeholders to address the frequent collapse in the system.
Overall, the search for alternative electricity supply sources is gaining momentum in the South East, as state governments and residents seek to find solutions to the persistent power supply challenges facing the region.
