Regulatory body, MAN to create micro-grid for industrial clusters

Powerline

• Condemns estimated billings

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has agreed with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on the need for a framework for the creation of micro grid for industrial clusters across the country.

Rising from a meeting held at the Commission’s headquarter in Abuja, both organisations have set up a committee that would address the “challenges posed to industrial productivity and the country’s broader economic goals and how to dedicate small grids connected to large distribution grid to industrial clusters.”

Besides, Ikeja branch of MAN has described as unfair and unethical the irregular electricity and the use of estimated billings on its members.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, had been briefed on the objective of the meeting which is to make power available to industrial clusters in a reliable and quickest possible approach.

Options being considered entail an arrangement to upgrade licences of captive electricity generators with excess capacities to supply firms within their vicinity through commercial arrangements that would be jointly beneficial to the electricity distribution companies and the industries.

He explained further that the establishment of micro grid could be “beneficial as it will provide commercially viable electricity to industries and free grid electricity that goes to industries for residential and other consumers.”

A technical committee with nominations from the Commission will be coordinated by MAN since its members will be the main beneficiary of a stable and adequate power supply. The committee is to develop the framework that would surmount associated financial and technical impediments to realising the objective.