THE RIGHT TO SELF-GENERATE ELECTRICITY AS A CONSUMER IN NIGERIA: OPTIONS IN EMERGING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Abstract

The electricity supply in Nigeria has not been consistent despite the huge resources that are available for power generation. This has hindered the comfort of not only household consumers but also commercial consumers. The major supply of electricity in Nigeria comes from the grid and as such only those connected to this can enjoy the supply. Essentially, not all persons are connected to the grid and those connected do not enjoy constant and consistent supply of electricity. This paper therefore sets out to analyse the available options for security of supply of electricity in the midst of numerous sources of energy and ineffective supply of electricity. The use of renewable energy as an alternative means is explored while an overview of the various legal and institutional frameworks is carried out for the purpose of selfgeneration. This paper observes that emphasis is not laid on self-generation of electricity for individuals and the applicable law seems complex for achieving same. It is therefore against this backdrop that this paper suggests among others that efforts should be put in place to create a clear structure that would encourage individuals to generate electricity not only through renewable energy but also through other available resources.