Grid Collapses: Commissioners’ forum calls for decentralised power generation

The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the frequent grid collapses plaguing the national electricity supply chain.

In a press statement in Abuja, the forum stressed that the latest grid collapse underscored the urgent need for sustainable and decentralised solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply for all Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, its Chairman, Prince Eka Williams, stated: “The recurrence of grid collapses disrupts lives and businesses, creating far-reaching economic and social consequences.

“As Commissioners of Power and Energy from across Nigeria, we are united in addressing this challenge with pragmatic and state-driven solutions.”

Williams, who is the Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Energy, highlighted some of the key outcomes and recommendations from the Forum’s recent meeting, including allowing states to generate and distribute electricity.

The Forum noted that states are intensifying efforts to establish and operationalize state electricity markets as a critical step toward decentralizing the power sector.

This approach, the forum said, will allow states to enhance generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure tailored to their unique needs.

On enhancing grid stability, the Commissioners advocated for the development of grid systems in their states to complement the national grid. They believe that this approach will enhance localized reliability and reduce the cascading effects of a grid collapse.

While pursuing decentralization, the states, according to the Forum, are also advocating for collaborative measures with the Federal Government to stabilize the national grid.

These measures include investments in modern grid technology, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring systems, among others.

The Forum noted that state governments have stepped in with immediate interventions such as deploying alternative power solutions for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities.

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The Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no community remains entirely in the dark during such crises.

The Forum urged all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, private sector players, and international partners, to align efforts toward achieving a resilient and reliable power sector, pledging that the states remain committed to playing a leading role in this transformation by fostering innovation, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing the welfare of their citizens.

The Forum argued that to save electricity consumers in Nigeria from the agony of power disruptions due to constant national grid collapse, it was time for the country to embrace a decentralized electricity framework where states have the autonomy and resources to manage their power needs effectively.

“Together, we can overcome the current challenges and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria,” Williams maintained in the statement.