The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has proposed that power distribution companies (DisCos) may soon be responsible for the costs of repairing faulty transformers and other equipment. This move aims to ensure better management of electricity infrastructure and reduce the frequency of grid failures across the country.
During a public hearing in Abuja on Thursday, October 26, 2024, NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba emphasized the urgent need for reforms following a series of grid collapses. The hearing, organized to address the causes of multiple power grid failures, revealed that Nigeria had experienced eight grid collapses in the last 10 months, including three in a single week. Garba highlighted that poor infrastructure management has affected the quality of electricity supply to consumers and the viability of both power generation and distribution companies.
Garba expressed concern over the lack of preventive measures, noting instances where transformers caught fire due to inadequate protection mechanisms. He added that many DisCos have failed to address weather-related vulnerabilities despite being instructed to prioritize infrastructure maintenance. “We cannot continue with this situation where a single equipment failure leads to nationwide blackouts,” Garba stated, calling for immediate and sustainable improvements.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Joy Ogaji, reported that Nigeria has suffered 162 grid collapses since 2013. She stressed the need for NERC to address underlying issues within the sector, including the discrepancies between reported and actual data on grid failures. Ogaji also called for greater transparency in tracking and addressing electricity supply challenges.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) further revealed that its operations in certain areas have been hampered by insecurity. Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, TCN’s Executive Director of Independent System Operations, stated that repairs to key transmission lines, such as the Shiroro-Mando line, have been delayed due to security concerns. She warned that power supply to northern states would remain unstable until these issues are resolved, with only 350 megawatts available for transmission in the region.
As pressure mounts on the TCN to improve the reliability of the National Power Grid, stakeholders have pointed to outdated infrastructure and poor maintenance practices as major contributors to the frequent system collapses.
