YENAGOA — Stakeholders in the power sector have called for increased investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to enable Bayelsa State maximise the benefits of its emerging electricity market.
They made the call on Tuesday at a power infrastructure and value-chain roundtable organised by the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, as part of activities marking the state’s 30th anniversary.
The event, themed “Bayelsa Power Infrastructure and Its Value Chain Objectives,” brought together regulators, engineers, investors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges surrounding the state’s 60-megawatt power project.
In his welcome address, the convener of the SSRG, Joseph Ambakederimo, said reliable electricity was critical to industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
Ambakederimo said the Electricity Act 2023 had opened new opportunities for states to develop their electricity markets, urging Bayelsa to take advantage of the new framework to build a system suited to its peculiar needs.
He said the state’s 60MW gas-powered facility should be regarded as the foundation of a broader electricity market rather than an end in itself.
The convener called for stronger collaboration among government, regulators, investors, operators and consumers, stressing the need to translate policy decisions into reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
He also urged stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy for the sector as Bayelsa enters the next phase of its development.
Speaking on the regulatory framework, the Director-General of the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA), Dr Rosalyn Dressman, said the agency was established to coordinate generators, distributors and consumers and protect electricity users.
Dressman said BYERA had been addressing complaints relating to billing, electricity theft and poor infrastructure, adding that 93 out of more than 130 complaints were resolved during a recent electricity service workshop.
She said electricity demand in the state was already higher than the current 60MW capacity, making additional generation and alternative sources necessary.
According to her, the state was considering a mix of the national grid, gas-powered generation, additional turbines, mini-grids, solar and other renewable sources.
Dressman disclosed that about 13 mini-grid proposals were being considered to extend electricity supply to underserved communities and reduce pressure on the main network.
She also announced plans for an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to guide the state’s future electricity needs, infrastructure development and investment priorities.
The BYERA chief called for an approved and funded network rehabilitation plan, improved metering, clear technical standards and transparent reporting to strengthen confidence in the electricity market.
From an investor’s perspective, Ebipere (Ebi) Clark said Bayelsa had an opportunity to attract private capital by providing reliable data on electricity demand and clearly identifying its industrial, commercial and residential consumers.
Clark said the state should also explore new sources of electricity demand, particularly electric mobility, which she described as a potential major off-taker within the emerging power market.
She advocated an integrated approach to electricity development, where generation, distribution, metering and other infrastructure were planned as interconnected components.
Clark also suggested that Bayelsa could explore synergies between electricity infrastructure and broadband services, particularly for commercial and industrial customers.
On infrastructure, Dr Steve Bubagha, Director of Operations, BECL, warned that electricity generation alone could not guarantee reliable supply without adequate supporting infrastructure.
Bubagha said gas facilities, transformers, switchgear, transmission lines and distribution networks were all critical components of the power value chain.
He urged the state to develop a long-term electricity master plan covering its needs over the next five, 10, 20 and 30 years.
According to him, growing demand from households, businesses and industries could make the current 60MW capacity inadequate in the coming years.
He stressed the need for continuous maintenance, upgrading and replacement of infrastructure, describing electricity as a capital-intensive sector.
Bubagha said reliable electricity would also reduce businesses’ dependence on diesel generators and allow funds spent on alternative power to be redirected into business expansion, equipment acquisition and job creation.
Speaking on technical regulation, Engr Olice Kemenanabo, FNSE, said the establishment of a state electricity regulator did not remove the responsibilities of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
He said NEMSA remained responsible for technical standards, certification and ensuring that electrical equipment and installations were safe for energisation.
Kemenanabo also called for clarity and coordination between BYERA and existing electricity distribution arrangements involving the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).
He warned that regulatory conflicts could undermine the development of Bayelsa’s electricity market.
In his remarks, HRH Bubaraye Dakolo described electricity as a foundation for industrial development and economic prosperity.
Dakolo urged residents and businesses to take advantage of improved electricity supply to increase productivity, create jobs and expand their businesses.
The stakeholders agreed that Bayelsa’s 60MW project should be treated as the beginning of a broader electricity development programme requiring investment in generation, transmission, distribution, metering, gas supply and renewable energy.
They also stressed the need for consumers to pay their electricity bills and use power responsibly to ensure the sustainability of the emerging electricity market.
The roundtable ended with calls for clear implementation timelines, defined responsibilities and stronger collaboration among government, regulators, investors, operators and consumers.
The development of the 60MW plant comes as the state seeks to reduce its dependence on the national grid and establish a more autonomous electricity market. The state government has previously said the facility is expected to support industrial and commercial activity, while consumers will pay for electricity through metering and a pay-as-you-go system.
Ambakederimo said the ultimate objective of the roundtable was to ensure that the discussions translated into practical steps capable of supporting Bayelsa’s economic development over the coming decades.