NAN-HE-12
Power
Lagos, June 14, 2017 (NAN) Some experts in the power sector have expressed worry over the poor performance of the distribution companies three years after the privatisation of the sub-sector.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos on Wednesday that there was the need for Federal Government to review the privatisation process.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on June 12, threatened to sack the boards of the electricity distribution companies over their continued poor performance since they took over the sector.
Mr Felix Andrew, Managing Partner, Platform Engineering Ltd., said that the distribution companies had jeopardised government’s intention through their low-performance level.
Andrew urged government to withdraw the licences of non-performing firms on the ground that the privatisation process had failed to yield tangible benefits to Nigerians.
He stated that the distribution companies were sold to the private sector to improve on the existing infrastructure and build effective capacity that would boost electricity distribution to customers.
“Nigerians expected that the private investors will better manage the industry than the government.
“However, it is a matter of regret that the reverse is the case of the privatisation today.
“Some electricity consumers have said that the collective performance of the electricity distribution companies so far, is not better than that of the defunct National Electric Power Authority or Power Holding Company of Nigeria.”
The expert said that in spite of the huge money the distribution companies claimed to have invested into the system, consumers still experience poor service delivery, and crazy bills among others.
He, however, called on government to take immediate steps to review the privatisation process in the power sector with a view to addressing the problems.
Andrew noted that the review would also help to deliver quality service to the citizens and enhance the nation’s economic development.
Mr Uche Victor, the Executive Director, Edge Electrical Engineering Company Ltd., urged distribution companies to find lasting solution to problems associated with electricity supply, estimated billings of customers and non-reading of functional meters.
Victor said the distribution companies should tackle issues of faulty transformers, unstable network distribution, over loading of feeder pillars, non-provision of safety materials on fault clearing, and lack of investment in the sector.
According to him, this will go a long way in meeting consumers’ demands.
He said the deplorable state of power supply in the country was alarming; and called for urgent intervention by government to ensure efficiency.
According to him, government needs to involve the private sector in the production and distribution of gas in the country.
“The private partnership involvement should not be detrimental to the development of the oil and gas industry,’’ he said.
Victor urged government and operators in the oil and gas sector to engage in meaningfully dialogue with the militants on how to stop destruction of gas installation.
He said that the use of gas was critical to the development of the energy sector, adding that government should make use of it for electricity. (NAN)
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Edited by Morayo Omolade/Ese E. Ekama