By JAPHET ALAKAM

Engineer Adegboyega Osideinde is one of the few Nigerians who have contributed his quota to the development of electricity in Nigeria. The University of Ife trained graduate of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, who had worked in many departments in the electricity industry for many years believes that there is need to educate the public about domestic electricity utilisation especially now that the President Goodluck Jonathan led government is battling with the issue of power reforms.

Osideinde is of the view that if the reform is achieved, the joy of the masses will be short lived if the electricity companies and the users fail to adhere to set down rules about electricity. Based on the fact that many people do not have the requisite knowledge of some terms about electricity, there is need for a document that will provide such needed information and as part of his contribution to humanity, he came out with a new book titled Domestic Electricity Utilisation in Nigeria.

The 154 pages book from the coffers of Imade Publishing company is the author’s third book on electricity and its uses, having published two books on electricity before. In it the author takes a critical survey on the all important issue of electricity generation in Nigeria and how best to utilise it for the benefit of the companies and the public.

Divided into ten chapters and laced with good pictures of the various instruments, each chapter provides the needed information on one aspect of electricity. The author begins with a overview of the origin of electricity in Nigeria, explaining the different phases it passed before coming to the present Power Holdings Company of Nigeria.

He then went on to analyse some topical issues that are vital for every home. In chapters 2 and 3, the author looks at the Domestic power intake points and Domestic wiring, installation and standards. In it he explains the different processes involved in supplying electricity to various homes, the instruments required and others. He also highlights the materials and best way to wireand install electricity to meet the required standard.

Many use cables and gear switches for all purposes, here, he carefully explains the type of instruments and their carrying capacity. The electrical instruments need to be protected at all times and on that he provides the necessary steps to be taken to ensure that lives and property are protected.

Fire outbreak is another issue that wrecks havoc in many homes and companies, as such emphasis should be on how to prevent it. And the book explains the key elements of fire safety policy, some causes of fire hazards, domestic fire protection, fire fighting and prevention and others.

In chapters 7 and 8 takes on the issue of Domestic metering, its importance to both the Power holding companies and individuals . The need to have an accurate and reliable means of measuring the units is crucial to all hence the need to know the different types of meters, their merits and demerits, its installation. And suggests that meter installation must follow quality installation practices to be able to optionally exploit the helpful features of modern meters.

The book also x rays electricity bill and the methodology for its estimation. In line with educating the public, he opens the eye of customers to the operators rights and obligations and the regulator (NERC) responsibilities.

Finally, chapter 10 addresses energy efficiency and conservation. He says that there is need to preserve energy so as to save costs, hence points some of the steps to be taken, example the design of the house, the type of bulbs and tips to use in order to reduce the energy budget.

Written in very simple language for a thorough understanding of the concepts and principles discussed, the book is a useful guide for every home especially for electrical contractors and consumers. Through the book, the author has again succeeded in breaking down complex technical details into everyday language for everybody to understand. I recommend it to all.