Power Distribution in Nigeria – For a considerable duration, Nigerians have contemplated the present condition of power distribution in Nigeria and the factors accountable for the insufficient power provision.
On the other hand, it is crucial to be aware of the power distribution companies and the specific states/districts to which each of them supply electricity.
So, in this article, you will see a list of all power distribution companies in Nigeria (DisCos), the issues that have hindered power distribution in Nigeria, and how to tackle them. Read on!
Analysis of Power Generation in Nigeria
Nigeria generates its power using hydroelectrical and thermal power plants. These power-generating plants are managed by generation companies (GenCos), independent power providers, and Niger Delta Holding Company. Here is a list of the power-generating companies:
| Company | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Kainji Jebba Power Plc | Hydro | 1,330 MW |
| Ughelli Power Plc | Gas | 942 MW |
| Sapele Power Plc | Gas | 1,020 MW |
| Shiroro Power Plc | Hydro | 600 MW |
| Afam Power Plc | Gas | 987.2 MW |
| Niger Delta Power Holding Company | Gas | 5,455 MW |
| IPP’s | Gas | 1,392 MW |
| Egbin Power Plc | Gas | 1,020 MW |
It is important to note that there are up to twenty-three (23) grid-connected power generation plants currently operating in Nigeria. This can be categorized under these plants, and the installed capacity of these plants is about 10,396 MW, while the Nation’s hydroelectrical plant manages close to 2,000 MW.
Also see: Highest Paying FG Parastatals in Nigeria
Power Distribution Companies in Nigeria
Power distribution is a very crucial stage in the electrical process. It is where electrical power is delivered to the final consumers, which are the Nigerian citizens.
In Nigeria, there are eleven (11) power distribution companies (DisCos) that distribute electricity to their various districts.
They are primarily involved in electricity retailing. They include:
| Distribution Company | Districts |
|---|---|
| Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc (Kaduna Electric) | Kaduna, including the districts of Makera, Doka, Birnin Kebbi, Gusau, Sokoto, and Zaria |
| Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc (YEDC) | Yola, Maiduguri, Taraba, and Damaturu |
| Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) | Aba, Abakaliki, Abakpa, Awka, Ogui, Onitsha, Owerri, Nnewi, and Umuahia |
| Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) | Abuja, Minna, Suleja, Lokoja, and Lafia |
| Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) | Abeokuta, Dugbe, Molete, Ijebu-Ode, Osogbo, Ilorin, Sango-Ota, and Oyo |
| Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc (JED) | Jos, Makurdi, Bauchi, and Gombe |
| Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) | Festac, Ijora, Lagos Island, Ajah, and Badagry |
| Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (Ikeja Electric) | Ikeja, Shomolu, Akowonjo, Ikorodu, Oshodi, and Abule-Egba |
| Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc (PHED) | Calabar, Diobu, Ikom/Ogoja, Borikiri, Uyo, and Yenegoa |
| Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) | Ado-Ekiti, Afenonesan, Akure, Asaba, Akpakpava, Ugbowo, and Warri |
| Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc (KEDCO) | Nassarawa, Dala, Katsina, Dutse, Kumbotso, Funtua, and Dakata |
Functions of Power Distribution Companies in Nigeria
Here are some of the functions of the Power Distribution Companies:
- The primary function of Nigeria’s Power Distribution Companies is to process the power supply using its network of distributions to provide electricity to customers within its operational districts/area.
- Power Distribution Companies also provide other support services, including installation, maintenance and repair of meters, billing and collection, (dis)connection of customers and maintenance of the distribution network.
- DisCos do not generate or transmit power but serve as the last mile of operation that connects the power supply from the source to the customers.
- Revenue collection and remittances are also the duty of distribution companies in Nigeria.
How to better the operation of Power Distribution Companies in Nigeria
Here is how to improve the operation of Power Distribution Companies in Nigeria:
- There is a need for an adequate gas pricing framework.
- The Nigerian government must put in place an effort to resolve and limit the operations of gas pipeline vandalism.
- The transmission network must be maintained and upgraded frequently to prevent frequent power disruptions, unstable electricity, and grid supply issues.
Lastly, it is evident that the power generation and distribution situation in Nigeria needs improvement. The government needs to make a massive investment in the power sector.
History of Power Distribution in Nigeria
Power distribution and generation began in Nigeria, historically, in 1886, when two sets of power generators were installed to distribute electricity to the then Lagos colony.
After some years, in 1951, a law was passed to establish the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria.
In 1961, to exploit hydroelectricity, a law was passed to establish the Nigerian Dams Authority.
In 1972, the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Dams Authority merged, creating the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA). NEPA was solely responsible for the generation and distribution of power.
A few years later, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was established by President Obasanjo’s government after dismantling NEPA.
PHCN decentralized the process of power distribution in Nigeria and established up to six generation companies, up to eleven power distribution companies, and a single company responsible for power transmission.
As a result of the decentralization of NEPA, a Nigerian agency called the Bureau of Public Enterprises made progress with a plan to privatize the Nation’s power sector. CPCS Transcom Limited was tasked with an advisory role to the government on the smoothest way to achieve full privatization.
At the end of the process, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was established while PHCN ceased to exist. The NERC has to supervise, monitor and regulate the Nigerian power sector and ensure adequate acquiescence to best global practices.
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