A minimum of 126 electricity-related accidents had been recorded between January and September 2023, in accordance with an evaluation of the quarterly stories launched by the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC).
Additionally, there have been 72 accidents and 79 fatalities in the identical interval underneath overview.
In every of the stories analyzed, NERC blamed “unlawful/unauthorized connections, unsafe situations/acts, wire snap, vandalism, explosions, and electrocution” for the accidents, accidents, and fatalities recorded between Q1 to Q3 2023.
Q1 2023 accidents
There have been 33 recorded accidents within the first quarter of this 12 months, which led to 16 accidents and 17 fatalities.
Additionally, the Transmission Firm of Nigeria (TCN) had the best variety of accidents (seven), and it was adopted by Eko Distribution Firm (six) and Ikeja Distribution Firm (4).
The Q1 2023 report learn:
- “There have been thirty-three (33) incidents leading to 16 accidents and 17 fatalities, in comparison with 25 incidents in 2022/This autumn with 27 accidents and 18 fatalities. Whereas the variety of incidents elevated by 32.00%, the variety of casualties diminished by 5.55% in 2023/Q1 in comparison with 2022/This autumn.
- “This might point out that the incidents recorded in 2023/Q1 had been much less extreme and there have been purposes of improved early response methods to forestall incidents from leading to casualties.
- “Out of the thirty-three incidents reported within the quarter, the licensees with the best share had been TCN – 7, Eko DisCo – 6, and Ikeja DisCo – 4 which represented 21%, 18%, and 12% (cumulative – 51%). Conversely, Yola DisCo had the least variety of incidences (1) throughout the quarter.”
Q2 2023 accidents
By the second quarter of 2023, the variety of accidents elevated to 52, with Eko Disco, TCN, and Ikeja Discos having the best circumstances.
Additionally, there was a rise within the variety of fatalities to twenty-eight and a number of other accidents, which is similar quantity as that of the fatalities recorded for Q2 2023.
The Q2 2023 report learn:
- “In 2023/Q2, the security efficiency throughout the NESI deteriorated with the variety of accidents rising by 57.57% (33 to 52), the variety of fatalities rising by 64.71% (17 to twenty-eight), and the variety of accidents rising by 75% (16 to twenty-eight).
- “Out of the fifty-two (52) accidents reported within the quarter, the licensees with the best variety of accidents had been Eko DisCo (11), TCN (8), and Ikeja DisCo (7) which represented 21.15%, 15.38%, and 13.46% respectively. Conversely, Egbin and Azura had the least accidents (1 every) throughout the quarter.”
Q3 2023 accidents
Whereas there was a lower within the variety of accidents by Q3 2023 to 41, there was a rise within the variety of fatalities (34) and the variety of accidents remained the identical because the earlier quarter (28).
The Q3 2023 report learn:
- “In 2023/Q3, the security efficiency throughout the NESI improved with the entire variety of accidents lowering by -21.15% from 52 to 41. The variety of accidents reported from these accidents remained unchanged (28 for each quarters), nevertheless, the variety of fatalities elevated by +21.43% from 28 to 34.
- “Out of the forty-one (41) accidents reported within the quarter, the licensees with the best variety of casualties had been Ikeja (10), Abuja (9), Ibadan (9), and Jos (9) DisCos which represented 16.13%, 14.52%, 14.52%, and 14.52% respectively. Conversely, TCN and Kaduna DisCo had the least casualties (1 every) throughout the quarter.”
Extra Insights
In keeping with its goal “to make sure the availability of secure and dependable electrical energy to shoppers” as laid out in Part 32(1)(e) of the Electrical Energy Sector Reform Act, 2005 (the ESPRA), the NERC displays well being and security efficiency of the Nigerian Electrical energy Provide Trade (NESI).
In line with its strategic plan for 2021-2023, the NERC has heightened its endeavour to execute a variety of security initiatives to eradicate fatalities throughout the energy sector.
The Fee has executed a number of security initiatives, such because the standardization of protecting schemes, public schooling relating to well being and security, involvement of presidency businesses in addressing Proper of Method (RoW) violations, and an analysis of an operational process for fault clearing utilized by distribution system operators.
As well as, investigations are initiated by the Fee into all reported accidents, and licensees will likely be held accountable for applicable actions when required.
Engr. Idris Aminu Idris, the SM accountable for Engineering Efficiency and Monitoring at NERC just lately blamed vandalism for 13% of electricity-related accidents, saying:
- “Vandalism was answerable for as much as 13% of accidents from Q1 to Q3 of 2023. DisCos must work with the related safety businesses to mitigate incidents.”
As further clarification, he said that in part 5.3 of the Security Code, NERC have to be notified of all main incidents involving electrical energy, together with tools or equipment injury, human fatalities, or electrical shock to animals.
