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Power Line...

The Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, has given a midterm scorecard of President Jonathan’s administration on power, stating plans and achievements. He mentioned ongoing work, and made projections. He said, “The Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act of 2005 provided the platform for the reform of deregulating the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) from the control, ownership and regulation of the sector by the Federal Government to a private sector-driven industry. The launching of the Road map by Mr. President in August 2010 has led to significant progress in the implementation of the structural reforms outlined in the Act.” “The major achievements to date are as follows: bidding and selection of preferred bidders for the 10 distribution companies and the 5 generation companies was concluded in November 2012, contracts have been signed and bidders have already made initial payments of 25% of the bid price.” “Presidential Power Reform Transaction signing and presentation of certificates for payment of initial deposits to successful bidders of the distribution and generation companies by Mr. President was performed in April 2013; handling over of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to Manitoba Hydro International for management contract concluded. Schedule of delegated Authority given to Manitoba; commencement of the process for the sale of ten power generating plants built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.” “Resolution of labour issues is also completed. The severance pay to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers will commence soon.” On other sources of energy he said, “In this regard, the nation’s vast resources of coal, wind, solar, biomass and hydropower potentials are being fully exploited. Feasibility Studies on the development of coal to power are on- going in five(5) coal blocks in Enugu axis and three (3) coal blocks in Benue, Kogi and Gombe axis. Progress of work on the studies is at 25% and is expected to focus on clean coal technology.” “Feasibility Studies on ten (10) dams with small hydropower potentials which commenced in 2011 have been completed and ready for concession.” “Going forward, the Ministry will pursue vigorously the following: Private Investment – including Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the Power sector (IPPs, distribution, renewable energy & capacity building); transmission grid expansion (Super Grid); develop framework for alternative funding of transmission projects that will allow recovery of investments; conclusion of labour-related issues; develop local content framework in the power sector; promoting energy efficiency and conservation; collaborate with other agencies to check vandalisation of power infrastructure.” “The Ministry will leverage on the abundant Renewable Energy sources in the country which are environmentally friendly to increase power generation and guarantee security of supply.”

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This article was first published on 24th July 2013

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