The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) has called on the federal government to audit all power infrastructure assets in the country, adding that the problems in the power sector are systemic, requiring a redesign of market rules to address issues of reliability and market imbalance.
The NIEEE made the disclosure in a communique at the end of a one-day conference on power situation in the country organised by the institute.
The communique, which was signed by the President of NIEEE, Engr Felix Olu, FNIEEE, noted that the problems within the power sector include transmission infrastructure capacity, inefficient quality service, unwillingness of DISCOs to accept loads, the private investor’s reluctance to invest in the power businesses and astronomical aggregated technical and commercial losses.
It added that asset sharing may create friction between the states/private investors and DISCOs in view of the new provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
The communique recommended that bottlenecks experienced in Smart Prepaid Meter acquisition and deployment must be removed, including the engagement of local meter manufacturers just as the deployment of Smart Prepaid Meters to customers by Meter Asset Providers (MAP), strictly in compliance with relevant statutory regulatory instruments.
“Also, technical auditing of all Power Infrastructure and Assets in Nigeria (Gencos, Transco & Discos) must be carried out just as the drastic reduction of distribution (ATC&C) and transmission losses to 10% and 5% respectively by 31st December, 2024 should be achieved.
“Additionally, the government should set up a high-powered technical committee to review the unbundling proposal/policy and draw a workable, homemade road map.”
It also recommended that technical analysis of TCN unbundling should be handled by a team of experienced technocrats, which must include engineers.
They said the unbundling of TCN should commence after the states have all enacted their electricity laws just as the bid for the unbundled entities should only be open to tested and seasoned investors,” the NIEEE said.
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