Nigeria’s power distribution network lacks the capacity to distribute about 2000 megawatts of power despite appreciable strides in improving generation, according to Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works, and housing.
Fashola who spoke Monday, January 8, 2018, at the 23rd monthly power sector operators meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, said generated power has gone up to 7000MW in 2017 from 3,000MW in May 2015 just as transmission capacity moved up to 6900MW in 2017 from about 5,000MW in May 2015.
However, peak distribution just averaged 5,000MW from 2,690MW in 2015.
“We are also putting together a policy position to help expand the distribution network of the DisCos and use this to distribute the 2000MW that is currently available but cannot be distributed,” he said.
“I also use the opportunity to call out to manufacturers to let us know where they are, how much power they need, and how we can connect you because we have 2000 MW of undistributed power,” he added.
Fashola noted that the milestones made so far in the power sector are impacting the lives of Nigerians since the efforts are saving them money and changing their lifestyles for the better.
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“They tell me that their consumption of diesel and petrol to run generators for power has reduced and the hours they run their generators has gradually reduced. This is the result of incremental power and we must get more of it,” he said, adding that most Nigerians are now monitoring how they use power and are turning off appliances that are not needed.
“This year we should work harder to increase our people’s access to meters and reduce the incidents of estimated billing as NERC concludes the Meter Regulations that will open up the meters supply and installation business,” he stressed.
He also disclosed that Nigeria through the Rural Electrification Agency hosted a Mini Grids Summit last month that is the largest ever attended in Africa with 600 participants from about 40 Countries.
The mini-grids are expected to help connect more people and boost incremental power.
