Blackout: FG plans alternative solutions for northern states

In response to ongoing electricity supply disruptions affecting 17 northern states, the federal government is taking decisive action to restore and enhance power supply.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced a comprehensive plan, including immediate repairs to critical infrastructure and the introduction of alternative energy sources to ensure more reliable electricity delivery.

He was speaking in a chat with correspondents after briefing President Bola Tinubu on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adelabu highlighted the root cause of the current power outages as vandalism to the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, a vital connection for electricity supply to the northern region.

He assured that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is already working on repairs, having received necessary security assurances from the National Security Adviser (NSA), enabling them to proceed without the threat of further disruptions.

Adelabu expressed optimism about the restoration timeline, stating, “With full security in place, we anticipate completing repairs within three to five days under standard conditions.”

He emphasised the importance of community support in protecting vital infrastructure to prevent future vandalism.

To further bolster power supply in the north, the minister discussed an innovative approach involving the establishment of a distributed power model.

This would see each of the 20 northern states equipped with embedded solar utilities, starting with a scalable 50 megawatts per state, ultimately reaching 100 megawatts. “This model will provide stable and reliable electricity, capitalising on the abundant sunlight in the region,” Adelabu noted, citing the average of ten hours of sunshine per day across northern states.

He explained that this plan aims not only to supply households but also to target institutions such as schools and hospitals, as well as industrial clusters, thereby promoting economic development.

“The goal is to attract investors and support industrialisation by ensuring reliable power supply,” he added.

Addressing concerns about recent disturbances in the national grid, which has experienced multiple outages this year, Adelabu acknowledged the ageing infrastructure as a significant challenge.

“The national grid is over 50 years old, with many components requiring urgent replacement,” he explained. He outlined plans for a super grid, which would provide backup routes for electricity transmission, insulating regions from disruptions in the future.

Regarding compensation for customers affected by power outages, Adelabu confirmed that discussions are underway to exempt consumers from billing during blackout periods.

“We will work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DISCOs) to ensure that customers do not face charges for outages,” he stated.

As the federal government moves forward with these initiatives, it affirmed that the aim is to ensure that the people of northern Nigeria experience improved electricity access, thereby enhancing their quality of life and fostering economic growth.

The Minister urged the public to remain patient as these critical changes are implemented and assured that the government is committed to providing lasting solutions to the region’s energy challenges.

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