FG gives autonomy to states to produce power

The Federal Government has given State governments autonomy to produce own power so as to ensure improved power supply in the country.

It said this is because nothing in the Electricity Power Sector Reforms Act EPSRA deter States from doing such.

Speaking at the 18th monthly power sector operators meeting on Monday at the Kumbotso transmission station, Kano State, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said interested States must obtain the necessary permit and licenses from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) depending on the areas it wants to invest in.

His words; “Let me also make this point clear today, I have heard statements made that State governments should be allowed to produce their own power.

“The truth is that there is nothing in the Electricity Power Sector Reforms Act that stops any state from doing so, so the only thing they must do is to get NERC’s permit and licenses depending on whatever categorisation of investment they want to do whether it is distribution or generation.

“So, let me be clear about that, I will support any state that wants to get involved in generating and also distributing power under its own arrangement.”

The Minister also disclosed that unlike in 2015, there has been improvements in power generation in the country.

He said this is as a result of government’s efforts in the areas of repairs of pipelines and gas supply.

According to him, the continuous attack on pipelines in 2015 had led to poor generation adding that this reduced in 2017.

“We have made some progress with generation previously, unlike in 2015, damage to gas pipelines and assets has reduced in 2017, this is as a result of government’s efforts and significant progress is now being made with the repairs and supply of gas.

“From a generation of about 2690MWs in May, 2016 we have grown to 6863MWs in generation and transmission has increased from 5000MWs to 6700MWs.”