If you are connected to the Nigerian Electricity grid, it is almost certain that you have witnessed a sharp decline in the amount of electricity supplied to you daily. The recent power outages are more frequent and longer, and they result from the massive load shedding being carried out by the TCN. Distribution companies have released statements informing customers of the inevitability of these blackouts. Even the minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, had to put up a statement to apologise for the recent drop in power supply.
You may have wondered what is going on. Well, we are here to tell you.
What is up with your power supply?
Nigeria’s power generation consists of gas and hydroelectric, thermal plants. Nigeria has twenty-three power plants that supply electricity to the national grid. Ideally, these plants have the capacity to generate about 13,000 MW of electricity. However, the average generation hovers around 4,000 MW. Recently, generation has dipped to below 3,000 MW.
Eighteen plants which account for most of the electricity the country generates, faced operational problems. Nine of these plants, namely; Sapele, Omotosho, Egbin, Ibom, Afam, Olonrunsogo, Alaoji, Jebba, and Ihovbor, broke down due to poor maintenance infrastructure. Seven other Independent Power Plants, namely; Sepele, Geregu, Gbarain, Omuku, Omotosho, Paras, and Alaoji, currently experience gas supply constraints; hence they cannot contribute power supply to the grid. One hydroelectric power plant underwent water management issues.
What can be done?
Amidst the current challenges that appear to have reached a breaking point. Some strategizes can be put in place to address these problems and restore electricity to the country.
Strengthening gas infrastructure: Nigeria currently has a proven gas reserve of 203.16 trillion cubic feet (tcf). To minimise the challenges surrounding gas supply, the gas market has to be modified to allow third-party access. The government should look to liberalise the gas market, and key investments should be geared towards developing alternative gas transport channels. Compressed liquefied natural gas (CNG) can be easily transported in modular containers to power plants when there is a breakdown of gas supply infrastructure.
Diversification of generation mix: There should be a concerted effort to promote on-grid renewable energy. There is an abundance of renewable energy resources in Nigeria, such as Solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydropower, and biogas. If the energy generation mix is diversified with various sources contributing significantly, gas supply inadequacies or low water level would not cripple electricity infrastructure.
It is disheartening and appalling to see the numerous piling challenges that have crippled electricity supply for a country that stands as the largest gas reserve in Africa, 7th largest globally and supplies electricity to neighbouring countries.
But that doesn’t mean distribution companies will reflect it on their customer’s bills. They still charge as usual just as if nothing happened.