Diversify and Decentralize Electricity Sector, Experts Urge FG
Experts Call for Diversification and Decentralization of Electricity Sector
An Energy Expert, Prof. Yemi Oke, has urged the Federal Government to diversify and decentralize the Electricity Sector and its value chain to unlock its immense prospects. Oke, a Lecturer of Energy Law, University of Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
Diversification and Decentralization: Panacea for Electricity Challenges
Oke emphasized that diversifying and decentralizing are some panaceas in addressing the country’s electricity challenges. He noted that the state now has all the powers to generate, transit, distribute, and regulate electricity in their respective states.
Harnessing Renewable Energy
Oke also stressed that Nigerians should be more innovative and harness the prospects of renewable energy in addressing their electricity needs. He added that this energy form was also cleaner and a viable alternative to traditional sources of energy.
Grid Infrastructure Challenges
The don also highlighted the challenges associated with the grid infrastructure, citing the weak transmission infrastructure as a major impediment to the growth of the sector. He noted that many companies were beginning to generate electricity through gas, but the impediment was the market.
Decentralized Generation and Distribution
Oke stated that the world is moving towards off-grid solutions, and many are exploring mini-grid options in accessing electricity. He emphasized that the on-grid is challenging, and many are exploring decentralized generation and distribution options.
Reenacting Electricity Policy or Act
Dr. Olukayode Akinrolabu, Chairman, Customer Consultative Forum, Eko Distribution Company for Festac and Satellite Town, advocated for the reenactment of a new electricity policy or act. He suggested that the act or policy should align with the 28 generating plants or be decentralized, allowing each state to produce the required megawatts of electricity most suitable for their needs.
Decentralized Transmission and Distribution
Akinrolabu also emphasized the need for decentralized transmission and distribution, stating that the over-concentration of power on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would not result in the necessary growth in the sector. He suggested that each state should have its own transmission company and be able to generate its own megawatts of electricity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, experts urge the Federal Government to diversify and decentralize the Electricity Sector and its value chain to unlock its immense prospects. This can be achieved through the harnessing of renewable energy, decentralized generation and distribution, and the reenactment of a new electricity policy or act that aligns with the needs of each state.
FAQs
- What is the current state of the electricity sector in Nigeria?
The country has moved from a centralized regime to a decentralized system, with each state having the power to generate, transit, distribute, and regulate electricity in their respective states. - What are the challenges associated with the grid infrastructure?
The weak transmission infrastructure is a major impediment to the growth of the sector, and many companies are beginning to generate electricity through gas, but the impediment is the market. - What is the alternative to traditional sources of energy?
Renewable energy is a viable alternative to traditional sources of energy and can be harnessed through decentralized generation and distribution options.
