NERC to hold public hearing October 24 over frequent grid failures

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is set to conduct a public hearing over the frequent national grid failures affecting electricity supply in the country.

NERC, in a statement on Sunday, said the public hearing will be held on Thursday, October 24, in Abuja and will focus on critical issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The commission expressed concern over the escalating incidence of disturbances at the national grid, which NERC said has resulted in significant power outages and reversed recent progress made in reducing infrastructure deficits and improving grid stability.

“In line with Section 48, subsection 1 of the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is mandated to conduct public hearings on critical issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” the NERC said.

“The Commission has noted with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances often leading to marked outage in several states thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability.

“In this regard, the Commission hereby invites NESI stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the general public to a hearing which is scheduled as follows: Date: Thursday, 24th October, 2024.

“Venue: Commission’s Hearing Room, Fourth Floor, Plot 1387, Cadastral Zone A00, Central Business District, Abuja. Time: 10:00 am prompt.”

The national grid failed three times within a week, plunging the country into a nationwide blackout.

However, the national grid has collapsed eight times in 2024, with the first recorded on February 4.

The national grid collapsed again on March 28, April 15, July 6, and August 5.

Also, Nigerians experienced another blackout on October 14, October 15, and October 19.

Addressing the situation, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said the frequent system failure at the national grid is inevitable due to the outdated infrastructure.

Adelabu said more investment in power infrastructure will prevent future collapses.

The minister also advocated decentralising the power sector, saying that multiple grids within regions and states will ensure that power failure in one area does not affect the entire nation.