NERC intensifies campaign on energy saving bulbs

Oscarline Onwuemenyi 15 September 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, wants electricity users to adopt energy saving bulbs and standard appliances to complement its energy efficiency programmes.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Anthony Akah, who made the plea at a seminar on energy efficiency in Abuja, said the call became imperative in view of the serious challenge of high estimated billing due to poor metering by the distribution companies (Discos) and low power generation.
He said NERC had put measures in place to accelerate metering through close monitoring of the Discos’ metering roll out plan.
He noted that the Commission had initiated a programme designed to ensure energy efficiency and conservation, adding that that efficient utilisation of available energy was paramount.
According to him, the programme entails the use of standard electrical appliances and equipment as well as machinery in the nation’s electricity value chain.
He noted that the programme was designed to reduce the total electricity demand and stop Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for inefficient electrical appliances, adding that it was also meant to provide consumers with relevant information on how to ensure energy efficiency of household appliances.
Other benefits, he said, included helping buyers of appliances to make informed choices and avoid purchase of sub-standard products from energy conservation perspective.
He said energy efficiency would also help in the stabilisation of the electricity grid system and reduce incidence of blown out overloaded transformers.
The NERC boss further noted that the programme, being implemented with other relevant agencies of government, would help to drive the robust energy efficiency campaign in the country.
He said the collaborative efforts of the agencies would harmonise the various institutional programmes designed to optimise energy usage.
“If well articulated and implemented, the programme is capable of contributing more access to power through efficient use of limited power by electricity consumers,” Mr, Akah said.
The other measures included replacement of obsolete refrigerators with energy efficient ones and turning off outdoor lighting during the day.