Operators advance discourse to tackle stifling power sector challenges
Industry operators in the power sector industry has advocated that the way out of the debilitating issues stifling the sector is through effective collaborations across the value chain.
In their various presentations at an energy management programme in Lagos, they said unless there is a strategic commitment on the part of stakeholders, Nigeria would continue to grapple with issues around deficit in power, transmit efficiency, obsolete equipment, cash flow, diverse energy needs and smart grids.
Oladele Amoda, Ceo, Eko Electricity Distribution company in his presentation titled: The Nigeria Power Distribution Landscape-perspective of a discos observed that stranded generation assets, huge liquidity, regulatory uncertainties continues to stifle the progress of the operators in the Nigeria power sector space.
He said that energy and electricity is the foundation of every economy adding that for Nigeria to take that leap to economic advancement, issue around power must be resolved.
Amoda who was represented at the programme by Nosa Igbinedion, head, Power management group disclosed that there is no science in sharing 5,000 watts to over 180 million people, there would always be power cut, the earlier we recognised that, the better we are to realising the enormity of the task before us.
We have stranded generation assets as a result of lack of proper evacuation corridor and in some event gas constraint adding that there is also huge liquidity in the sector. The cost of production of electricity today is almost at the same rate as customers pay so there is really no margin.
He however disclosed that despite these challenges, Eko DisCo has mapped out a ten year plan aimed at addressing commercial losses, technical loss and other issues in their operation. He said the company would construct new substations and rehabilitate old ones and also invest in automation of its network
Earlier in her address, Onyeche Tifase, managing director, Siemens Limited said that the obsolescence in the Nigeria power sector requires commitment of all stakeholders if it is to be addressed saying that Nigeria cannot move forward without power as the enabler.
She said that Nigeria has issues in the power sector regarding poor maintenance culture, lack of training and development, skill gaps in the GenCos.
Tifase disclosed that the engagement with operators is part of the company’s strategy to share technical solutions with operators to resolve challenges in the power sector.
She further said that the company is open to share with Power sector operators’ ideas on how these issues raised can be resolved. “We are here to have a more positive perspective on issues in the power sector, let us look for answers and solution and Siemens provides answers and solutions that last a life time.
The Siemens boss assured that the company can set the road map of how things should be done in Nigeria and this is part of their future strategy for the power sector.
KELECHI EWUZIE