Oluchi Chibuzor
Following the World Bank approval of the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, the federal government has been advised to tackle high tariffs associated with electricity use in rural areas across the country.
Speaking recently, on “Empowering Rural West Africa: Schneider Electric’s Vision for Sustainable Electrification,” Commercial Lead, Microgrid, Power & Grid Business Segment, Schneider Electric, Teina Teibowei highlighted the challenges that are likely to be a stumbling block to the electrification of rural West Africa.
He said, “The high tariffs associated with electricity use in rural areas pose a significant barrier. In communities with limited economic opportunities, even basic lighting can be prohibitively expensive, discouraging adoption. This reality is further compounded by the low energy consumption patterns in these communities, characterised by single lights and sockets in homes.”
Teibowei said It was crucial to create economic activities that encourage and demonstrate the value of electricity and highlight its importance to growing the local economy.
According to him, “Demonstrating how electricity can improve livelihoods and bring tangible benefits will foster a shift in their perception. By providing access to electricity, for example, fishermen can utilise freezers to preserve their catch for longer, enabling them to sell more and earn higher incomes. Similarly, for women engaged in agriculture and grain milling, the introduction of electricity powered milling machines can significantly improve efficiency.
“Schneider Electric, global leader in energy management and automation, proffers solutions to the adoption of electrification project in Rural West Africa region as it grapples with access to reliable and affordable energy.”
For the Country President, Schneider Electric West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, by addressing affordability concerns, “creating economic opportunities, and fostering a culture of energy consumption, we can unlock the true potential of rural electrification in West Africa, empowering communities and lighting the way for a brighter future.”
