• Diversifying Energy Sources: They’re exploring different options to reduce dependence on the national grid.
• State-Level Solutions: By finding local solutions, they can mitigate the impact of national grid failures.
• Reliability and Efficiency: Alternative power sources can provide more reliable and efficient electricity supply.
South East states are seeking alternative electricity sources due to the national grid’s frequent collapse, with seven incidents reported between January and October 2024 [source]. This has caused frustration among electricity consumers, who are paying more for services despite experiencing constant grid collapse and epileptic power supply.
Concerns from Affected States
• In Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, customers have been moved to Band-A without consent, leading to complaints about not getting value for money.
• Industrialists like Mr. Chimezie Nwafor are struggling to run their factories at maximum capacity due to power issues.
• Residents are expressing frustration over the incessant collapse of the national grid, citing additional costs and lost productivity.
Proposed Solutions
• The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has deployed advanced ICT systems to monitor its network and prevent electrical faults.
• The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) aims to develop a robust electricity market, generating enough power to serve residents and commercial clusters.
• Anambra State is exploring energy mix options, emphasizing solar and renewable energy to reduce dependence on the national grid.
Calls to Action
• Stakeholders are urging the government to address power generation problems, infrastructure decay, and tariff issues.
• There are calls for constant discourse among stakeholders to address the frequent collapse of the national grid.
• The Federal Government is being urged to overhaul and review the entire energy sector, ensuring constant power supply and making prepaid meters available at reduced costs.
