.. FG installs 184,507 metres, issued 50 licences
By Charles Ebi
Average electricity generation capacity in Nigeria witnessed a significant improvement in the third quarter of 2024, as reported in the latest data by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, in its Q3 2024 report released last Friday
According to the report, the average available generation capacity across grid-connected power plants rose by an impressive 16.04%, translating to an increase of 705.13MW from the 4,395.77MW recorded in the second quarter to 5,100.90MW in Q3 2024.
“The average hourly generation on the grid in 2024/Q3 was 4,280.24MWh/h, which translates to a total generation of 9,450.76GWh. The average hourly generation of grid-connected power plants increased by +6.51% ,+261.67MWh/h, from 4,018.57MWh/h in 2024/Q2.
“The total electricity generated in the quarter also increased by +7.68% ,+674.21GWh, from 8,776.55GWh in 2024/Q2 to 9,450.76GWh”, the report stated.
The data revealed that 19 power plants contributed to this upward trajectory with increased generation capacities including Dadin-Kowa_1, Olorunsogo_2, Afam_1, Olorunsogo_1, Omotosho_1 and others.
The report states: “The average hourly generation on the grid in 2024/Q3 was 4,280.24MWh/h, which translates to a total generation of 9,450.76GWh. The average hourly generation of grid-connected power plants increased by +6.51% ,+261.67MWh/h, from 4,018.57MWh/h in 2024/Q2. The total electricity generated in the quarter also increased by +7.68% ,+674.21GWh, from 8,776.55GWh in 2024/Q2 to 9,450.76GWh”.
This improvement was primarily driven by enhanced capacity across key power plants, as opposed to mere increases in operational hours.
The report highlights several power plants that recorded remarkable increases in average hourly generation, including:
Dadin-Kowa_1: +461.20%, Olorunsogo_2: +249.48%, Afam_1: +195.40%, Olorunsogo_1: +85.28%, Omotosho_1: +69.27%
On the other hand, power plants such as Egbin_1 ,-26.32%, and Ihovbor_2 ,-17.75%, experienced declines in generation output, signaling areas requiring intervention.
Hydroelectric plants, including Shiroro_1 ,+50.02%, and Kainji_1 ,+21.86%, were among the contributors to the overall growth, reflecting improved water management during the quarter.
In November 2024, the Nigerian National Grid Agency acknowledged the country’s long-standing power sector challenges, citing insufficient infrastructure to support uninterrupted electricity supply. In a statement shared on its official X ,formerly Twitter, account, the agency clarified:
“We have observed numerous messages about both regular and irregular supply. Our generation, transmission, and distribution capacities are nowhere near enough for you to expect uninterrupted power.” the statement reads.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, in its second-quarter 2024 report, further highlighted these structural shortcomings.
Issues such as limited grid stability and frequent outages had become central to public discourse, underscoring the urgency for systemic reforms.
Against this backdrop, the third-quarter improvement represents a positive shift. Enhanced infrastructure, operational efficiencies, and increased generation capacity from grid-connected power plants were pivotal. As the Q3 report noted,
“The increase in generation during the quarter was primarily due to the increase in the available generation capacities of the grid-connected power plants compared to 2024/Q2″.
In July 2024, the African Development Bank Group bolstered these efforts by approving a $500 million loan to Nigeria.
The loan, part of the Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Program ,EGET-SP, aims to transform the nation’s electricity infrastructure while promoting access to cleaner energy sources.
This financial intervention is expected to catalyze the ongoing energy transition and ensure sustainable power supply in the coming years.
meanwhile, the Federal Government says it has recorded significant progress in Nigeria’s electricity sector with the installation of 184,507 new meters and the issuance of 50 licences, permits, and certifications during the third quarter of 2024 ,Q3.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, revealed in its Q3 2024 report released on Friday that 184,507 meters were installed, marking a remarkable 256.01% increase compared to the 51,826 meters installed in Q2 2024.
The increased metering pushed the net end-user metering rate in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry ,NESI, to 46.15%, up from 45.43% in Q2, a rise of 0.72 percentage points.
The installations were largely carried out under the Meter Asset Provider ,MAP, framework, which accounted for 178,715 meters or 96.86% of the total. The Vendor Financed framework contributed 3,508 meters, while the DisCo Financed framework added 2,298 meters.
This development signifies a concerted effort to address challenges like estimated billing and promote consumer satisfaction across the electricity distribution value chain.
To complement the surge in meter installations, NERC issued 50 licences, permits, and certifications aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector infrastructure. These include:
..6 new off-grid generation licences with a combined capacity of 30.06 MW.
..1 renewal of an on-grid generation licence with a gross capacity of 39 MW.
.. 2 new electricity trading licences.
… 11 captive generation permits with a total gross capacity of 63.36 MW.
…1 registration certificate for a mini-grid.
…7 certifications for Metre Service Providers.
…22 permits for Metre Asset Providers.
These licences are expected to encourage investments, improve power supply, and expand access to renewable and off-grid energy solutions, especially in rural areas.
The surge in meter installations and issuance of licences marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electricity sector. By prioritizing metering through initiatives like MAP, the government is tackling the pervasive problem of estimated billing, which has long plagued electricity consumers.
Furthermore, the rise in off-grid and mini-grid licences underscores a growing shift towards renewable energy and decentralized power solutions, vital for enhancing energy access in underserved regions.
A Promising Outlook: These advancements highlight the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s power sector and creating an enabling environment for both consumers and investors.
With metering and licensing activities gaining momentum, stakeholders anticipate further progress in Q4 2024, laying the foundation for a more reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy sector.
