By Ediri Ejoh
The power generation statistics for first quarter 2018, (Q1’18) shows that a total average of 92,747 megawatts per hour, mwh, of energy was generated by power stations.

The breakdown shows that Thermal stations generated 89,405 MWh while the hydro stations generated 16,350 MWh.

Daily energy generation attained a peak of 105,755 MWh on March 14th, 2018, while the lowest daily energy generated per hour attained a peak of 14,357 MWh on the March 30, 2018 as thermal stations generated all the 14,357 MWh, while no energy was generated from hydro stations.

In another development, total number of consumers with Prepaid Meters (PPM) increased marginally by 6.23 percent to 1.59 million customers in Q1’18, up from 1.50 million in Q4’17.

Benin Disco has the highest percentage with 17.79 percent of the total customers metered. This is closely followed by Abuja Disco with 16.40 percent and Ibadan Disco with 15.99 percent, while Yola Disco recorded the least percentage of the total customers metered at 2.35 percent and closely followed by Jos Disco and Kano disco with 3.42 percent and 3.97 percent respectively.

The Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated that, “Meter supply has become the big issue of the moment that consumers want us to resolve. As a government, we hear them loudly and clearly, and as service providers, we hope that you can hear them too.

“As power supply continues to increase in generation, transmission, and distribution, the demand for meters will increase, because more power supply and consumption will likely result in increased bills.

“Estimated billings in these circumstances will become a major cause of distrust and conflict between consumers and the distribution companies, and meters are the easiest way to build the bridge of trust.”