Lagos lists benefits of energy conservation

THE Lagos State government has emphasised the need for consumers to adopt the practice of energy conservation to promote efficiency.

Energy conservation is simply the practice of reducing energy consumption via efficient energy practices.

It believed that energy conservation also ensures effective utilisation of scarce energy supplies, reduced emissions, energy security, and a quicker means to a common goal shared by all.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Power Sector Group of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos, the General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), Engr. Peter Okonji, stated that “there is need for conservation of energy in the country. Electrical appliances are supposed to be switched off when not in use, but you see Nigerians switching on their bulbs at night after business hour. Bulbs are switched on when shops are under lock and key.

“If we conserve energy, we will reduce current demand of energy and have higher voltage of energy for other purposes. The available power is not enough for all Nigerians if switch on all our bulbs. So it is important to practice power conservation. For every watt that is wasted, it is money we are wasting.”

Okonji stated further that Lagos state is a 24-hour commercial centre but darkness has forced businesses and other activities to close down at 6pm due to insecurity darkness conveys.

“Captive power has helped to power Lagos State facilities and we opted out of the national grid so that there will be enough power for the rest of the citizens in Lagos state. Constantly powered economy will provide efficiency and stimulate productivity.

“Power demand for Lagos state is 10,000MW after our last audit in June. The national grid can only transmit about 10 per cent of what we required. However, our five Independent Power Plants (IPPs) which include Akute IPP, Island Power, Mainland Power, Alausa Power and Lekki Peninsula IPP, are together generating 47.5MW to power government facilities like water corporations, general hospitals, the secretariat and State High courts,” he stated.