Stakeholders and consumers in the energy sector have called on the Plateau State Government to set up an Electricity Regulatory Agency that would be responsible for regulating the energy sector in the state.
They made the call during a Policy dialogue on the new Electricity Act and Energy Solutions for Businesses through Private sector Investments, which was held at the Banquet Hall, Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
The event which was put together by the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy in collaboration with GIZ, a German Agency, discussed possible ways and come up with resolutions that would guide government in policy making especially in the energy sector.
Identifying energy as the driving force of development, the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Noel Nkup noted that the dialogue will create an opportunity for the stakeholders to review the existing documents of the policy frameworks on the energy sector in the state.
He assured GIZ and all the stakeholders that the state government will put to effect all their meaningful contributions, adding that the door of the government is open for any stakeholder that has something to offer for the development of the state.
Also, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman Ease of Doing Business Council, Architect Samuel Jatau in a keynote address, noted that the Barrister Caleb Mutfwang administration understands that energy is the major driver to development hence, the government’s recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Shimankar Valley Limited to provide 300 Megawatt hydro energy in the state.
He charged the participants to put on their thinking caps to discuss positive issues that would ensure sustainable and affordable power supply in the state.
In a presentation on the state of play of the energy market in Nigeria and Plateau State, and state energy market policy, the Director Energy Access, Plateau State Ministry of Water Resources and Energy who double as the acting Managing Director of Plateau State Energy Cooperation, Engineer Nuhu Lere gave an overview of the 2017 survey on the energy needs of the state and the actual energy supply in the state.
According to him as at 2017, Plateau State needed 400 Megawatt, but the actual supply was only 120. He said the State was running on a deficit of almost 280 Megawatt.
However, he was optimistic that if appropriate measures are put in place, Plateau State has the potential of producing event more than the 400 Megawatt needed to serve its energy needs.
Engr. Lere added that the Plateau State Energy framework and policy act, 2017, has the commitment to ensure every Plateau State citizen have access to electricity.
Head of Components, Policy and Strategy of GIZ, Akinropo Omoware, while making a presentation on the new Electricity Act and opportunities for states and private sector towards private investments and ease of doing business, said the state is at liberty to generate and regulate her energy.
Participants raised concerned on the Makeri and Pankshin sub power station that have not been fully activated to serve the state over the years.
The stakeholders noted that Business owners are closing their businesses due to high cost of doing business in the state, as most businesses rely on power to strive but not all of them can afford powering Generators to supply them the needed energy.
They discussed and proffered solutions on how to improve the energy sector in the state where the ministry assured them that they will put everything in place as suggested to improve on businesses in the state, noting that many investors have indicated interest on doing business in the state.
The event brought together participants from the energy sector like the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, NESCO, Shimankar Valley Limited among others and electricity consumers, especially Small and Medium size Enterprises among others in the state.