Power sector: Operators fault conflicting international customers’ debt status
Market Operators in Nigeria’s power sector have faulted what they termed: “conflicting reports on the status of the international customers’ debts owing the country.
A Markert Operator (MO), Engr. Engr. Edmund Eje, who spoke recently in Abuja, when market participants from countries within the West African Sub Region, met in Abuja, lamented that there were a lot of misconceptions arising from unconfirmed media reports that suggested money owed by international customers was substantial.
He confirmed that Togo and Benin Republic have an outstanding of $1.714m to settle as at the time they were let off sovereign off-take of energy, while Niger Republic was not having any outstanding.
He urged all market participants to collectively approach the market’s challenges, seeking effective solutions to pave the way for continued growth and cooperation in the energy sector.
Eje, however, highlighted the remarkable progress made since the inception of the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM), stating that the TEM’s implementation has facilitated direct engagement between market participants and power generators, significantly enhancing the energy supply process.
While pointing out that there was a growing healthy collaboration between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, he noted that partnerships with Nigerian power suppliers have been established to meet the energy needs of Benin and Togo.
He noted that interactions among market participants are crucial for creating a unified regional energy grid.
Meanwhile, Transcorp Power, Nigeria, raised concerns about the low energy consumption levels by SBEE from May to July 2023.
Participants at the meeting expressed their unwavering commitment to resolving these challenges and maintaining a seamless energy trading environment.
They also commended the Market Operator for his dedication to fostering cross-border energy cooperation, an initiative aimed at creating a unified regional energy market.
