Politically speaking, with the new electricity bill as contained in the Fifth Alteration Bill No.33, Devolution of Powers (National Grid System) that migrated the issue of power generation, transmission and distribution from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, sub-nationals and non-state actors are expected to tap into existing low hanging fruits to boost power supply in their states.

As for non-state actors that have tapped into existing low hanging fruit, mention must be made of the impressive example set by Aba Geometrics that commissioned its 188MW Gas Plant in Aba to feed about nine local government areas of Abia State with a view to subsequently exporting electricity to the grid- a kind of cross boundary electricity trading. The outfit will definitely make use of existing power infrastructure in addition to its own newly constructed infrastructure to deliver on its mandate, which is tapping into existing low hanging fruits!

Aba Geometrics must have reckoned with the fact that the legal hurdle restraining issues of electricity generation, transmission and distribution to the exclusive list has been cleared with the new law.

In similar manner, sub-nationals have to be proactive in identifying existing low hanging fruits on the national grid so as to take advantage of same to boost power supply to their citizens.

Instead of focusing only on the execution of Greenfield projects, sub-nationals should think of facilitating the completion of ongoing Brownfield projects that litter the entire National Grid.

It must be stressed that in the past, some sub-nationals have assisted in the completion of ongoing projects within their states and such efforts alleviated the poor electricity supply that was the plight of their citizens prior to such intervention.

One very good example to buttress this claim is the effort of the Kwara state government in the completion of the 330/132/33kV Ganmo Transmission Station that significantly boosted electricity supply to Ilorin and environs. A remarkable fact about this project was that the legal hurdle that puts electricity issues in the exclusive list was in existence but this never deterred the Kwara state government from supporting the completion of the project, which tallies with the saying that where there is a will, there will always be a way!

This write-up will not be concluded without making a shout-out to one or two sub-nationals to emulate this good gesture and tap into existing low hanging fruits to boost power supply in their states.

Ekiti and Ondo states should show more interest in the ongoing 330kV Benin-North/Akure/Osogbo line project. It must be said that the 330/132/33kV Akure substation has been completed and is only awaiting the completion of this line so as to energize installed Transformers at the substation. When completed, this project will tremendously improve power supply to both states and neighboring states, thus stimulating socio-economic activities in affected areas.

Imo state is another state with a low hanging fruit, which if tapped into will considerably improve power supply to Owerri and its environs. The state capital currently receives power supply at 132kV level on Alaoji/Owerri 132kV lines 1 & 2 that is unstable and erratic.  

Prior to the construction of an alternative route (330kV Alaoji/Ikot-Ekpene/Ugwuaji/Onitsha Double Circuit lines), there existed only 330kV Onitsha/Alaoji line, thereby making it technically difficult to interrupt the line but with the alternative routes, the former 330kV Onitsha/Alaoji line can be used to pick one or two 330/132/33kV Transformers at Owerri to boost power supply to the commercial and capital city of Imo state and environs.

The Imo state government should facilitate this project by influencing the actualization of the modification of this line.

The National Grid traverses the length and breadth of Nigeria and with some technical modifications, most states that are currently experiencing epileptic power supply can tap into existing low hanging fruits to improve electricity supply to their citizens and boost both industrial, commercial and domestic activities within their states.

This will lead to the optimal utilization of the huge potentials of the National Grid and the quick improvement in power supply across the country!