Open AccessElectricity theft mitigation in the Nigerian power sector
Author(s) -
N. O. Shokoya,
Atanda K. Raji
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2227-524X
DOI - 10.14419/ijet.v8i4.29391
Subject(s) - electricity , business , software deployment , smart grid , environmental economics , computer security , metering mode , diversification (marketing strategy) , flexibility (engineering) , commerce , telecommunications , computer science , economics , electrical engineering , engineering , marketing , mechanical engineering , management , operating system
Electricity theft is a pervasive problem all over the world. With electricity generation in Nigeria falling short of the required generation ca-pacity, it is disturbing that the little power generated is also being stolen by some unscrupulous consumers. Electricity distribution compa-nies in Nigeria (DisCos) lose about ₦30 billion every month owing to electricity theft. This amount is whopping, and if significantly re-duced and spent on the power infrastructure and management, it would improve the power situation in the country. This paper proffers the deployment of Smart Grid (SG) with its inherent smart metering as a solution to the electricity theft situation in Nigeria, as a result of its improved flexibility, security and reliability. Smart Grid also supports energy diversification, by allowing the integration of various renewa-ble energy sources into the conventional power grid. This will tend to help in improving the epileptic power situation in the country.