THE IMPACT OF INCESSANT NATIONAL GRID FAILURE ON RESIDENTS OF UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Electricity has become a vital component of modern life on a global scale, fulfilling diverse functions such as facilitating employment, transportation, communication, healthcare, education, and daily living activities such as lighting, cooking, and temperature regulation. (Adeyemi, 2019). Therefore, the lack of power, or its inadequate supply, has consequences for households, businesses, and the entire economy. The importance of electricity has prompted the United Nations and its member nations to prioritise the goal of ensuring universal access to affordable and eco-friendly energy by 2030. 

Despite significant public investment throughout the years, Nigeria continues to encounter challenges in guaranteeing a reliable and consistent electricity supply. The lack of energy access has hindered development by negatively affecting both the productive sector and educational and workforce participation. (Farouk, 2022). The state utility businesses, known as NEPA and later PHCN, had a constant track record of underperforming, which led to the need for a reform in the electricity industry. In 2014, this reform led to the privatisation of the generating and distribution sectors of the energy value chain. The absence of advancement in the Nigerian electric power sector subsequent to the reform has been a substantial impediment for the government, private investors, electrical experts, development partners, and researchers (Eke, 2019). They are currently confronted with the challenge of formulating innovative strategies to tackle this ongoing issue, which is impeding the attainment of energy objectives. A persistent issue in the sector is the recurring occurrence of the National grid collapse, which has afflicted the country for an extended period of time. Orok, 2018

An electric grid is a system of interconnected electricity generators and users, overseen by one or more control centres, and connected by transmission and distribution lines (Itina, 2020). An electricity distribution network, sometimes referred to as the power grid, is employed to supply customers with electrical power. The power system consists of generation stations, transmission towers, and separate consumer distribution lines. The generator is accountable for the generation of electricity. In order to distribute energy, it is necessary to transform it into a high voltage. The Nigerian national electrical grid consists of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, generation enterprises, and distribution firms. Private companies are granted permission to participate in the production and delivery of electricity (TCN, 2023). 

The power grid, or energy distribution network, is used to supply clients with electric power. The power system consists of power generation stations, transmission towers, and separate consumer distribution lines. The generator converts mechanical energy from the gearbox into high voltage (Samuel et al., 2019). The National grid collapse, sometimes referred to as voltage collapse, results in the disruption of energy transmission to the regions and consumers connected to the system (Efe, 2022). Nigeria has had numerous occurrences of grid failures resulting from the grid's inability to promptly adjust to various system dynamics. Despite Nigeria's economic growth, the power infrastructure in the country has been unable to meet the electrical demands of households and enterprises (Itina, 2020).

Nigeria has seen multiple grid failures as a result of the grid's inability to quickly react to different system dynamics. Despite Nigeria's economy experiencing tremendous growth, the power infrastructure in the country has failed to adequately supply energy to fulfil the needs of both homes and industries (Itina, 2020). The nation has substantial reserves of coal, oil, gas, and uranium, establishing it as the foremost oil producer in Africa. Nevertheless, the scarcity of electricity has greatly hindered the survival of these companies, despite their abundant resources. Only 45% of Nigeria's population has access to electricity, and among those that have, more than 85% experience frequent power disruptions. Electricity is extremely scarce in numerous areas (Aliyu et al., 2019). As a result, there have been numerous negative outcomes, including the rapid depletion of crucial public resources like clean drinking water and improved healthcare facilities, as well as the closure of businesses and the deterioration of infrastructure. The repercussions of these events are having a significant impact on the daily lives and businesses of the residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Therefore, this investigation is necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Access to high-quality, dependable, and cost-effective electricity is undeniably crucial as a socio-economic driver to stimulate the growth of a nation's struggling economy, boost job creation, and decrease crime rates. Ensuring a steady electricity grid is essential for guaranteeing this. The occurrence of a national grid outage in Uyo (Edu, 2022) leads to significant discomfort and substantial financial losses for both residential and industrial customers. In order to achieve sustainable growth in Uyo and the entire country, it is imperative to address the limiting factors that hinder the maintenance of the electricity grid.

Power grid breakdowns can be attributed to a multitude of technical and non-technical reasons.   Generator outages are a frequent event in grid failures, often leading to voltage collapse.  If generators carrying a significant load fail, it can lead to power system instability. Without implementing appropriate countermeasures, there is a risk of a complete system collapse (Jimoh & Raji, 2023). Jimoh & Raji (2023) define line tripping as the act of removing a power grid line from service. This occurs due to a physical incident or a technological malfunction in the connection, which can sometimes result in queue tripping. In the event that this happens on a line that is under significant strain, there is a possibility that the system may fail catastrophically (Adekunle, 2023).

Raji & Jimoh argue that the frequent occurrence of grid collapses can be related to the inflexibility of the NNG (National Power Grid). The NNG is characterised by its lengthy, radial structure, which makes it fragile and highly stressed. Any increase in load has the potential to cause a voltage collapse in the power grid.  When consumer’s load demand surpasses the system's available power, the system becomes strained beyond its capacity, leading to a shift in some of the system's parameters. This can ultimately cause the power system to collapse (Adekunle, 2023). Collapses can occur due to sudden drops or rejections of load at the distribution end, vandalism of transmission infrastructures, equipment short-circuiting, or any action that puts excessive operational pressures on the generator beyond its intended capability. One such action is when the operating frequency deviates from the nominal operating frequency designed for the generator (Jimoh & Raji, 2023).

The power system collapse has resulted in significant annoyance and financial detriment to both residential and industrial customers (Umoh, 2024). Many enterprises that rely heavily on a sufficient power supply have seen significant setbacks as a result of frequent power grid failures, which can be attributed to the expensive operation of diesel generators (Imeh, 2013).  The underperformance of the power sector has an equivalent effect on both small businesses and large-scale machinery producers in Uyo.  The inadequate and irregular energy supply in Uyo has significant social, psychological, and physical impacts on its citizens (Oto, 2022). Due to the recurring and prolonged instances of failures, the Nigerian electricity system cannot be considered very dependable. In light of this context, this study aims to evaluate the consequences of frequent national grid failures on the inhabitants of Uyo, Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the impact of incessant national grid failures on residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Specific objectives of this study are:

To examine the extent, the national grid failures affects business operation of Uyo.

To determine the causes of the national grid failures in Nigeria

To examine the effects of incessant national grid failures on residents of Uyo.

To proffer solutions in addressing the causes of national grid failures in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What extent has the national grid failures affected business operation of Uyo?

What are the causes of the national grid failures in Nigeria?

What are the effects of incessant national grid failures on residents of Uyo?

What solutions are available in addressing the causes of national grid failures in Nigeria?

Research Hypotheses

The following hypothesis will be validated in this study:

Ho1: The extent the national grid failures have affected business operation of Uyo is low.

Ho2: There are no causes of national grid failures in Uyo.

Ho3: There are no effects of power grid collapse on national development. 

Ho4: There are no solutions available to address the causes of national grid failures in Nigeria.

1.5 Significance of the study 

The objective of this research is to comprehensively analyse the various impacts of frequent power outages on the population of Uyo. The findings will provide essential knowledge for the establishment of policies, improvement of infrastructure, and enhancement of community welfare. This study will serve as a baseline for all residents of Uyo, government and policy makers, students and scholars.

The study's findings would have a substantial positive impact on residents of Uyo as it sheds light on the potential dangers to public health and safety caused by power system failures. Consequently, it will enable the implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding communities and minimising accidents. Consistent electricity supply has a direct impact on the quality of life by sustaining important services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. This will lead to an enhanced quality of life in Uyo.

The findings of the study will help the government and policy makers in providing data-driven insights that can inform better policy decisions and regulatory frameworks for the power sector; it will also assist in identifying weaknesses in the current regulatory environment, the study will suggest improvements that enhance the enforcement of standards and practices aimed at preventing grid collapses.

Finally, this study will also serve as a reference material to students and researchers for further studies and future research.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the impact of incessant national grid failures on residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Empirically, this study seeks to examine the extent, the national grid failures affects business operation in Nigeria, determine the causes of the national grid failures in Nigeria

Further, this study will focus on examining the effects of incessant national grid failures on residents of Nigeria, and it also seeks to proffer solutions in addressing the causes of national grid failures in Nigeria.

This study will be carried out in Uyo, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitations of the study

As is customary in all human undertakings, the researchers encountered modest constraints during the investigation. A major limitation of the study is the researcher's financial constraint, as they are a full-time student without any means of income to sustain themselves.

Another limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available on the impact of incessant national grid failures on residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate resources, books, or information, as well as to gather data. Also, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographic scope, as it just focuses on Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for other research.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling obligations such as attending lectures and other educational activities. 

1.9 Definition of terms

Voltage collapse: Voltage collapse is the partial or complete loss of end users' or customers' access to the electrical power grid

Power outage: an interruption or failure in the supply of power, especially electricity. the period during which power is lost

National grid: The national grid is an interconnecting system that comprises all generation stations, transmission substations, and distribution substations.

Economic development: Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. It is more than a jobs program, it’s an investment in growing your economy and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.

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